Pays $22.3 Million to Crash Victims' Family
Florida · S0032 · Introduced Aug 7, 2026
Why it matters
The city would pay $22.3 million to the family, which is more than the usual state limit on city damages. Attorney fees would be capped, reducing what the family's lawyers can take from the award.
What it does
- Directs Temple Terrace to pay $22.3 million for injuries and a child's death in a 2026 crash
- Splits payment among Samantha Sakowski, two injured children, and the estate of Le. S.
- Caps attorney fees on the claim at 25 percent of the total amount awarded
- Makes the payment the sole compensation for all present and future claims from the crash
Introduced
Next: committee review
- Introduceddone
- Committeecurrent step
- Senatenot yet
- Housenot yet
- Governornot yet
About this bill
Would require Temple Terrace to pay $22.3 million to Samantha Sakowski, her children, and the estate of Le. S. Attorney fees would be capped at 25 percent of the award.
Relief of Samantha Sakowski, Li. S., B.J., and the Estate of Le. S. by the City of Temple Terrace
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Family and injury advocates would likely say the crash was the city officer's fault and the family needs full compensation. They would point to the child's death and lasting injuries.
💬 The case against
Some city and taxpayer groups would likely say the amount is too large for the city to pay. They may argue it should be limited to the state's usual damage caps.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this state bill are at the source link.
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