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FL S0030
CL
Status
Failed
6/16/2025
Primary Sponsor
Jonathan Martin
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 while under the care of her mother during an open BSO child protective investigation
- BSO was assigned to investigate reports of unexplained fractures and bruising on 5-month-old M.N. on October 13, 2016, but allowed the child to be discharged from the hospital into the custody of the suspected abusive mother without contacting the nonoffending father, creating a safety plan, or conducting a background check on the mother's male companion
- On October 24, 2016, while the BSO investigation remained open, M.N. sustained fatal injuries including a skull fracture, severe brain and spinal cord injury, and retinal hemorrhages; she was declared brain-dead and removed from life support 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 negligence at trial; the $200,000 sovereign immunity cap under s. 768.28, Florida Statutes, has been paid, leaving $2,498,258.50 (including $88,258.50 in taxable costs) unpaid
- Caps attorney fees at 25% of the amount awarded under the act, waives all government liens including Medicaid liens related to M.N.'s care, and declares the total compensation to be the sole remedy for all present and future claims arising from this case
Legislative Description
Relief of the Estate of M.N. by the Broward County Sheriff's Office
Last Action
Died in Rules
6/16/2025
Committee Referrals
Rules4/1/2025
Community Affairs3/26/2025
Judiciary3/20/2025
Full Bill Text
No bill text available