FL S0006

Appropriates $3.8 million from the General Revenue Fund to compensate L.E. for catastrophic injuries sustained due to negligence by the Department of Children and Families

L.E., born July 29, 2019, tested positive for amphetamines at birth and was placed with her parents despite a "present danger" determination and extensive history of child abuse reports involving both parents

Within 35 days of placement with her parents, L.E. suffered severe abuse including shaken baby syndrome, traumatic brain injury, skull fracture, multiple rib fractures, and cerebral palsy requiring lifelong care

The Department of Children and Families closed its investigation on September 24, 2019, acknowledging the home remained "volatile and unstable," and L.E. was hospitalized the very next day with catastrophic injuries

Total settlement agreement of $4 million was approved by the court, with $200,000 already paid under sovereign immunity limits; attorney fees are capped at 25% of the appropriated amount