Senate President Mike Haridopolos Joins the Brody Family, Senator Benacquisto and Representative Grant in Supporting Justice for Eric Brody

October 18, 2011

Tweet

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Senate President Mike Haridopolos, Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto and Representative James Grant today joined the Brody family and pledged their commitment to ensuring Eric Brody receives just compensation for permanent injuries he received more than 13 years ago in a serious car accident. Brody, then only 18 years old, sustained severe brain damage after a Broward County sheriff deputy struck his vehicle. Brody is disabled and requires around-the-clock care. The only remedy for justice for Eric Brody is relief through the legislative claims process.

"Eric Brody and his family have waited 13 years for justice. That's too long. I am hopeful that we can bring Eric and his family some semblance of relief which is why I am committed to seeing Senate Bill 4 pass the Florida Senate at the onset of the 2012 Legislative Session," said Senate President Haridopolos. "The Brody family has been through enough as a result of this tragedy and after waiting for more than 13 years, it is time to bring closure to this case."

The Brody family is seeking compensation for Eric's medical bills and other economic damages that have stacked up since the 1998 accident. The family also seeks sufficient funding for the life care plan that his doctors have recommended to meet Eric's long-term needs.

Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto has filed SB 4, and Representative James Grant will be filing a House companion to ensure Eric Brody receives just compensation through the legislative process.

"After enduring 13 years of suffering, Eric Brody deserves payment for his economic damages and a fully funded life care plan. This is the right and just thing to do," said Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto. "In a blink of an eye, this horrible accident permanently changed life for Eric and his family. This was not Eric's fault. He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time and was left with a severe brain injury as a result of the carelessness of a Sheriff's deputy. For more than 13 years, the Brodys have had to financially struggle despite having their legal claims upheld by every court that reviewed his case, including the Florida Supreme Court."

In 2005, a jury found the Broward Sheriff's Office negligent and responsible for Eric's injuries and awarded him $30.6 million. Two appellate courts, including the Florida Supreme Court also upheld that verdict.

"Justice delayed is justice denied, and Eric and his family have waited long enough for justice. It is well past time for us to pass this legislation," said Representative Grant. "I feel confident in the House's willingness to help Eric and his family and hope to see the bill finally passed early in Session."

Joining Sen. President Haridopolos and the bill sponsors were Eric and his parents, Chuck and Sharon Brody; and Lance Block, the Brodys' attorney for more than thirteen years.

"Sharon and I only want to make sure that our son is taken care of after we are gone. We need the peace of mind that these bills will bring us and our son. We are especially grateful to President Haridopolos, Senator Benacquisto, and Representative Grant for their commitment to justice for Eric. Now, our hope is that the other leaders and members of the House and Senate make this a priority," said Chuck Brody. "We also hope that if we are successful in getting the bill through this year, Governor Rick Scott will promptly sign it into law."

To receive updates on the progress of the Brody bill, follow on Facebook at Justice for Eric Brody and on Twitter at @Justice4Brody.