FL H6509

Appropriates $1.2 million from the State Transportation Trust Fund to the Estate of Mark LaGatta for injuries caused by Department of Transportation negligence on July 27, 2020

On that date, a DOT employee operating a tractor backed into the eastbound travel lane during roadwork on State Road 24 in Levy County, striking LaGatta's motorcycle and causing severe leg injuries resulting in amputation of his left leg

LaGatta, age 57 at the time, was hospitalized for several weeks, underwent seven surgeries and a tracheotomy, was placed in an induced coma, and was unable to return to his career as a maintenance engineer; he passed away in August 2024

A February 2023 court judgment awarded LaGatta $2.32 million, of which DOT previously paid $120,000 under statutory limits (s. 768.28, Florida Statutes)

Attorney fees are capped at 25% of the amount awarded under this act, and the combined payments represent sole compensation for all present and future claims arising from this incident