History was made today by the Florida Legislature. After remaining at the same level for 30 years, Florida’s sovereign immunity limits – i.e., the maximum amount government entities can be forced to pay to victims in personal injury cases* – were increased by the 2010 Florida Legislature from $100,000 per person/$200,000 per incident, to $200,000/$300,000. It’s about time! (See this previous blog for a further discussion on sovereign immunity laws.)
The bill awaits Governor Charlie Crist’s signature. If adopted, it will become effective in October 2011.
Although these arbitrary limits remain unreasonably low – in my opinion, there should be no arbitrary caps at all … cause the damage, pay the full price. Period. – the legislation is a move in the right direction. Kudos to the Florida Legislature. (Shock of all shocks, I never thought that I would be complimenting any legislative body controlled by Republicans, but credit should be given when due.)
*For any injured victim to receive more than the sovereign immunity limit in a particular case, a “Claims Bill” for that individual must be passed. A “Claims Bill” is a law. To become law, it requires sponsors, debate, legislative approval, and the Governor’s signature. The process is expensive and time consuming, with the goal rarely achieved.
Our law firm accepts cases against the government.
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Jeffrey P. Gale, P.A. is a South Florida based law firm committed to the judicial system and to representing and obtaining justice for individuals – the poor, the injured, the forgotten, the voiceless, the defenseless and the damned, and to protecting the rights of such people from corporate and government oppression. We do not represent government, corporations or large business interests.