FL S0008

Authorizes the Lee County Sheriff's Office to pay $626,769.93 to Patricia Ermini for injuries sustained during a March 23, 2012 well-being check at her home

Deputies entered Ermini's dark home without adequate announcement, and Deputy Hamer fired seven rounds from an AR-15 rifle through her closed bedroom door, striking the 71-year-old multiple times

Ermini suffered a shattered femur, severe arm injury requiring skin grafts, temporary blindness in one eye, and continues to experience chronic pain, limited mobility, and PTSD

A federal jury awarded $1 million in damages with 75% fault apportioned to the Sheriff's Office, resulting in a $750,000 judgment; $200,000 was paid under the statutory cap, leaving $550,000 plus $76,769.93 in costs

Attorney fees are capped at 25% of the total amount awarded under this act