St. Johns County Commissioners unanimously approved a $6.3 million settlement for a lawsuit stemming from a 2019 crash involving a St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office deputy.
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) reported that the deputy, attempting a U-turn, collided with two motorcycles, one driven by the plaintiff.
While the deputy's intention behind the U-turn wasn't clear, the FHP and a Sheriff’s Office review board found him at fault. The incident took an emotional toll on the deputy, according to a Sheriff’s Office spokesperson.
The crash left the plaintiff unconscious for three months, requiring a ventilator and feeding tube. She sustained a traumatic brain injury, kidney failure, and long-term disabilities, rendering her "totally disabled." The woman, facing homelessness, expressed financial struggles to maintain her health.
The settlement, totaling $6.3 million, will address ongoing medical needs and compensate for the plaintiff's inability to work. Funding for the settlement will be sourced from both the county’s general fund and the Sheriff’s Office budget.
St. Johns County Commissioners acknowledged the tragic circumstances and opted for a resolution to support the plaintiff's recovery and well-being.
