Floridians injured by government struggle for compensation

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Some two dozen bills are filed in this year’s legislative session to compensate people injured by the mistakes or negligence of government agencies, including 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.

Many have waited for years for justice, and most will probably have to wait longer – if it ever comes.

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.