A judge has ruled that the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office should pay $9.14 million to a woman who sustained permanent brain damage from a crash with a deputy.
A judge ruled that Deputy Kenneth Petrillo was negligent in the January 2005 crash. He had been chasing a suspected drunken driver when he followed through a red light and hit Jennifer Wohlgemuth’s car. The crash sent five people to the hospital. Wohlgemuth’s attorney says the 25-year-old woman’s brain injury has left her unable to care for herself.
A sheriff’s spokesman says state law limits civil judgments against law enforcement agencies to $100,000, and the sheriff’s office has insurance to cover that. But Wohlgemuth’s attorney can file a special claim bill in the Florida Legislature to get the rest.
Realist says: 
Banks Still Face Legal Claims After $25 Billion Settlement
MF Global Judge to Examine Insurance Payments for Former Executives
Daredevil CEOs May Put Companies at Risk
California Independent Contractor Law May Be Liability for Agents, Brokers
North Carolina Continues Auto Regulation Debate As Rates Stay Same for 2012
Long-time California Lobbyist Looks to 2012 Legislation Affecting Insurance
Mine Safety Chief Seeks to End Complacency Over Safety
Virginia Court Grants Rehearing of Global Warming Claims Case
