FL H6515

Appropriates $7.5 million from the Highway Safety Operating Trust Fund to compensate Christeia Jones and her three minor sons (Logan Grant, Denard Maybin Jr., and Lanard Maybin) for injuries sustained in a May 18, 2014 automobile accident caused by Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Raul Umana on I-75 south of Ocala.

All three children suffered severe traumatic brain injuries; Logan Grant requires ongoing speech therapy and will need guardianship and attendant care as an adult, with estimated future care costs of $6.7 million.

Settlement amount of $7.785 million was previously agreed upon by Ms. Jones and the Florida Highway Patrol, with the Division of Risk Management already paying $285,000 under statutory liability limits, leaving $7.5 million balance to be paid.

Chief Financial Officer must draw warrant for $7.5 million minus any outstanding Medicaid liens for medical expenses of the claimants.

Limits on awarded funds: attorney fees capped at $1,500,000, lobbying fees at $375,000, and costs/expenses at $34,849.92; payment constitutes sole compensation for all present and future claims arising from the accident.