Post by Logan on Feb 15, 2016 3:51:08 GMT -6
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Some two dozen bills have been filed in this year's legislative session to compensate people injured by the mistakes or negligence of government agencies: wrongly convicted prisoners, children abused by foster parents, people maimed or killed in accidents with police vehicles, and even a football player who died during practice.
But many have waited for years, and most will probably have to wait longer.
Florida law limits the compensation government agencies can pay in lawsuits to $200,000 regardless of the long-term costs of the injury and even if the agency agrees to pay more, unless the Legislature and governor approve a claims bill. But usually, only a few, high-profile cases get heard.
Lawyers and lobbyists for the victims say that's because legislators are reluctant to force local governments in their own districts to pay the damages, or to take the costs out of the state budget, for a bill benefiting only one person.
Read more: www.gainesville.com/article/20160214/WIRE/160219816/1034?Title=Floridians-injured-by-government-struggle-for-compensation-
But many have waited for years, and most will probably have to wait longer.
Florida law limits the compensation government agencies can pay in lawsuits to $200,000 regardless of the long-term costs of the injury and even if the agency agrees to pay more, unless the Legislature and governor approve a claims bill. But usually, only a few, high-profile cases get heard.
Lawyers and lobbyists for the victims say that's because legislators are reluctant to force local governments in their own districts to pay the damages, or to take the costs out of the state budget, for a bill benefiting only one person.
Read more: www.gainesville.com/article/20160214/WIRE/160219816/1034?Title=Floridians-injured-by-government-struggle-for-compensation-