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Florida Personal Injury Lawyers
$3,830,000

Catastrophic motorcycle accident resulted in a jury verdict.

$1,748,000

Auto accident, multi-car crash

$1,200,000

Auto accident

$1,035,000

Auto accident involving defective airbag

$850,000

Auto accident

$700,000

Auto accident

$700,000

Auto accident

$600,000

Hospital turned away patient

$550,000

Auto accident involving tractor trailer

$450,000

Auto accident

$400,000

Car accident

$350,000

Golf Cart Accident

$300,000

Slip and Fall at Work

$210,000

Slip and Fall

$195,000

Auto Accident

$175,000

Accident involving pressure cooker

$106,890

Auto Accident

$100,000

Auto Accident

$100,000

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Orange County Agrees To Compensate Family Of Slain Witness

It took almost four years, but Orange County and the Florida legislature finally agreed to pay compensation to the family of a witness killed by the very man he was set to testify against. The Orange County government agreed to a $300,000 settlement with the family but required passage of a claims bill by the state legislature to make it official.

The case began in 2012, a 19-year old man was set to testify against a defendant in a home invasion case against another individual under electronic monitoring by the state pending the trial. One month before trial, the defendant tracked down the victim and murdered him and shot his two roommates.

The family’s lawsuit alleged negligence by the county for its supposed failure to properly monitor the defendant prior to his trial. Court records indicated the defendant broke curfew the night of the murder and should not have been out to commit the heinous crime.

The defendant, Bessman Okafor, was arrested for murder, convicted and sentenced to death. The 30-year-old defendant was sentenced in August 2015. The two other victims shot by Okafor were shot in the head but survived their injuries.

Why are there limits on compensation from the government?

Under Florida law, civil actions against state or local government entities are subject to damage caps. Under a policy known as sovereign immunity, governmental organizations are exempt from civil penalties unless otherwise waived by the state.

Florida statute 768.28 does allow citizens to sue government entities in cases where a private person would be responsible to the claimant. However, there are limitations to compensation. The law limits verdicts and settlements to $100,000 per individual and $200,000 in compensation arising from a single incident.

For example, a single person hit by a city bus could collect up to $100,000 in compensation. However if multiple people were hurt in the same incident, they would share up to $200,000 for that one incident. To collect more than the maximum limit, plaintiffs must rely on claims bills to cover the excess.

Can plaintiff’s collect more than the maximum compensation allowed under Florida sovereign immunity laws?

Plaintiffs may collect awards or settlements greater than the $100,000 limit imposed under the law but the difference must be approved by the state legislature. The process can be arduous as state and local governments may fight the bill, alleging compensating victims appropriately may place some sort of burden on the rest of the county or state.

Furthermore, in cases where at-fault parties carry liability insurance, plaintiffs may be awarded more than the maximum $100,000/$200,000 limit if covered by insurance. Dealing with insurance companies can be a drawn out process of its own as insurance companies are not usually known for willingly dispersing compensation to victims.

Orlando personal injury lawyers

If you or a loved one was hurt by a government entity, you should contact the The Pendas Law Firm to help you collect the compensation you and your family need. Our experienced and dedicated personal injury lawyers serve clients in Orlando, Tampa, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

Read What Others Have To Say About Us

  • “I can’t express how much I appreciate this law firm. I had the honor to deal with attorney Daniel. He kept me updated on my case. I couldn’t ask for a better law firm. Daniel fought for me til the end and got me what I deserved. Thanks Daniel and your team for always being there to answer any of my questions. If I ever need a law firm again...”

    Terry Mcphillips
  • “Speedy & superb handling of clients & cases, kind & caring. Highly recommended professionals. They made everything very easy for us, were outgoing & polite. I would call them again if ever in need, rather than call the larger firms that need to advertise & brag about winnings…Pendas was a pleasant & more personal approach instead of...”

    Joseph Kestell
  • “Wow I called Pendas Law Firm the other day at their main intake line it was around 11 o’clock at night and I’ve got this wonderful representative his name was Jeffrey Alvarez. This guy was very professional and his compassion was out of this world I don’t know what I would do if I could not have got a hold of him...”

    Luis Sanchez
  • “Thank you for helping us in our time of need. This firm handled my father’s workers comp case, and helped us with every question we had, and we had a plenty. Thankful for the entire legal team!”

    Enilno Resu
  • “I just concluded a case with attorney Michael Sanchez and paralegal Camilo Lopez. I can only say they are exceptional. The customer service is unique, they have been battling alongside me since day 1. They are not only courteous and professional, but they also are amazing at their job. Thanks to them I got a great deal. I am glad I decided to use their services...”

    Israel Garcia
  • “Their attorneys are absolutely someone you want handling your car accident claim. They communicated with us promptly and thoroughly. I was very happy with our recovery. Already recommended them to others in the same circumstances, their staff speaks Spanish and you feel like in family.”

    Ian Brito
  • “Very Professional law firm. They explained to you every detail what to do according to the laws (worker’s compensation). Mr. Danilo Cruz is the best Lawyer and his team. They are very kind, friendly, responsible, I love this firm. They fight for their clients. AwesomeTeam!”

    Lau Rod