Haridopolos, Benacquisto, Grant Reintroduce Eric Brody Relief Bill

Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Wellington, and Rep. James Grant, R-Tampa, reintroduced their efforts to require an insurance company and the Broward County Sheriffs Office to pay for the long-term care of a man paralyzed after being hit by a sheriffs cruiser more than a decade ago.

The bill, SB 4, seeks $30.1 million in the House and $15.6 million in the Senate from the sheriffs office and its insurance company for Eric Brody.
Charles Brody, Erics father, said the money is needed to provide for his sons long-term care.

We need the peace of mind knowing that every day Eric is taken care of, Charles Brody said during a media gathering outside the Senate chambers in the Capitol. We need to know that Eric will get funding for his future years and his future life.

Eric Brody has severe brain damage and needs around-the-clock care from the 1998 crash that occurred while he was driving home from work.

The sheriffs office has supported the bill that in the House would cover the entire amount awarded the family by a jury.

Awarding the money requires legislative approval and the bill has died the past two years in the House.

Grant said there is a small number of House members philosophically opposed to claims bills and a majority that may not fully understand the bill only requires an insurance company to pay on a claim.

Its not a very simple issue; people see (a) claims bill and think the Florida taxpayer is writing the check, Grant said. In reality, were creating the verdict that allows them to go after the insurer.