Relief/Danielle Maudsley/Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Impact
By appropriating funds for this specific case, the bill highlights the state’s intention to provide financial relief to victims’ families due to actions taken by law enforcement officials. This funding is expected to potentially influence how similar cases are approached, particularly those involving wrongful death claims against state agencies. The provision of this compensation could serve as a precedent in the state’s handling of cases involving claims of negligence by law enforcement officers.
Summary
House Bill 6011 addresses the need for financial reparations to the Estate of Danielle Maudsley as a result of her death following an incident involving the Florida Highway Patrol. The bill appropriates a sum of $1.75 million from the General Revenue Fund to compensate for the injuries and damages arising from alleged negligence by Trooper Daniel Cole when he used a Taser on Ms. Maudsley during her arrest for nonviolent traffic offenses. This incident ultimately led to her traumatic brain injury and subsequent death three years later.
Contention
A notable point of contention within the discussions surrounding HB 6011 might pertain to the appropriations process related to wrongful death claims against state officers and the limits of liability stipulated under existing Florida statutes. The bill specifies that the total amount awarded may not exceed the statutory limits outlined in Section 768.28 of Florida Statutes. Additionally, any claims for attorney fees related to the awarded amount are capped at 25%, which may raise questions about the implications for future claimants and their ability to seek full compensation for damages.