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FL H6533
CL
Status
Failed
6/16/2025
Primary Sponsor
Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee
Click for details
AI Summary
- Directs the Broward County Sheriff's Office (BSO) to pay $2,498,258.50 to the Estate of M.N., a 6-month-old infant who died on October 28, 2016, from injuries sustained due to child abuse while a BSO child protective investigation was open
- BSO was assigned to investigate an abuse hotline report on October 13, 2016, documenting M.N.'s multiple unexplained fractures and bruising, but allowed the child to be discharged from the hospital into the custody of the mother (K.W.) without implementing a safety plan, contacting the father, or conducting a background check on K.W.'s male companion
- On October 24, 2016, M.N. sustained life-threatening injuries including a skull fracture, severe brain and spinal cord injury, and retinal hemorrhages; she was declared brain-dead and died four days later
- A jury verdict on August 16, 2023, awarded $4.5 million to M.N.'s father, with 58% ($2.61 million) apportioned to BSO, which admitted its negligence at trial; the $2,498,258.50 claim represents the amount exceeding sovereign immunity limits ($2.41 million) plus $88,258.50 in taxable court costs
- Attorney fees are capped at 25% of the total amount awarded, all government liens including Medicaid liens are to be waived and paid by the state, and the payments are intended as sole compensation for all present and future claims arising from this case
Legislative Description
Relief/Estate of M.N./Broward County Sheriff's Office
Last Action
Died in Rules
6/16/2025
Committee Referrals
Judiciary3/28/2025
Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee3/2/2025
Full Bill Text
No bill text available