FL H6535

On June 21, 1999, a Department of Transportation employee failed to secure a 12-foot extension ladder on a department vehicle, which fell onto Interstate 75 and caused a chain-reaction accident that killed Dr. Sherrill Lynn Aversa.

The Department of Transportation admitted liability and settled the case for $800,000 in a consent judgment; the department has already paid $150,000 under statutory liability limits.

The state appropriates an additional $650,000 from the State Transportation Trust Fund to the Department of Transportation for compensation to Dr. Aversa's estate, including attorney fees and costs.

Attorney fees are capped at $123,500, lobbying fees are capped at $39,000, and no costs or other similar expenses may be paid from this appropriation.

The combined $800,000 settlement (including the $150,000 already paid) constitutes sole compensation for all present and future claims arising from Dr. Aversa's death; the act takes effect upon becoming law.