FL H6509

St. Johns County School District must pay $1,955,161.93 to Justin Williamson for injuries sustained on September 9, 2014, when a school bus operated by district employee Linda Fox struck his vehicle on State Road 207.

Williamson suffered severe injuries including spleen damage, fractured left humerus and femur, dislocated left radial head, shattered teeth, and multiple abrasions, requiring airlift to Halifax Health Medical Center and weeks of rehabilitation.

Trial court found the school district liable after the bus driver was cited for failing to yield right-of-way; experts testified future medical care will cost $527,405.16 and lost wages range from $513,000 to $822,800.

The award exceeds the $200,000 statutory sovereign immunity cap under s. 768.28, Florida Statutes, requiring legislative approval through this claims bill.

Attorney fees are capped at 25% of the award, and the payment constitutes sole compensation for all present and future claims arising from this incident.