FloridaTemple Terrace would pay a family $22.3 million for crash losses
If enacted, Temple Terrace would pay the family $22.3 million for crash injuries and a child’s death, with limits on compensation and lawyers’ fees.
What it does
If enacted, Temple Terrace would pay $22.3 million from money not already committed elsewhere to compensate Samantha Sakowski, two children, and Le. S.’s estate for crash losses.
The city’s payments under state law and this bill would be intended as the only compensation for all present and future claims tied to the crash.
Lawyers’ fees for the claim would be capped at one quarter of the total amount awarded under the bill.
Argument forThe payment could help the family cover losses from serious injuries and Le. S.’s death in the crash.
Argument againstTreating the payments as full compensation could limit the family’s recovery if future injury-related losses exceed the money received.
More detail
Temple Terrace would have to set aside and pay $22.3 million. Recipients would be Samantha Sakowski, Li. S., B.J., and Sakowski acting for Le. S.’s estate. The city would use money not already committed to other purposes. The payment requirement would take effect when the bill becomes law.
The legislation would treat the city’s payments as the intended full compensation for claims from the crash. The provision covers the family’s injuries and losses to Le. S.’s estate arising from the crash. This would cover both present and future claims.
Lawyers’ fees for this claim could not exceed 25 percent of the amount awarded under the bill. The percentage would be based on the award under this bill. The cap would apply to the total lawyers’ fees for this claim.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Aug 7FiledIntroduced
Government & Ethics