LEE COUNTY, Fla. – Florida State Representative Dianne “Ms. Dee” Hart (D-63) has introduced House Bill 6509, which seeks to provide financial compensation to Patricia Ermini for injuries sustained due to the negligence of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) during a well-being check incident in 2012.
On the evening of March 23, 2012, Patricia Ermini, then 71 years old, was inside her home when deputies from the LCSO conducted a well-being check at the request of her daughter. Ms. Ermini, who was reportedly distressed following a difficult divorce, was asleep when deputies entered her home without knocking or announcing themselves sufficiently.
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Upon encountering Ms. Ermini in her bedroom, deputies misinterpreted her actions and fired multiple rounds, severely injuring her. Ms. Ermini sustained gunshot wounds to her leg, arm, and head, resulting in life-altering injuries, including a shattered femur and ongoing physical and psychological trauma.
Following the incident, Ms. Ermini pursued legal action against the LCSO.
In 2018, a jury awarded her $1 million in damages for pain and suffering, with 75% of the fault attributed to the LCSO. A final judgment of $750,000 was entered in her favor. However, under Florida law, the LCSO was only required to pay $200,000 without further legislative action.
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HB 6509 seeks to appropriate the remaining $550,000 in damages, plus interest and trial costs, bringing the total claim to $626,769.93. The bill authorizes the Florida Sheriffs Risk Management Fund to make the payment and sets a cap on attorney fees at 25% of the total amount awarded.
The bill has been referred to the appropriate legislative committees for review. If passed, it will take effect immediately upon becoming law.
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