Family Of Man Injured In BSO Crash Seeks Settlement Cash

FT. LAUDERDALE (CBS4) - The family of a South Florida man who was severely injured by a Broward Sheriff's deputy more than a decade ago has appealed to Sheriff Al Lamberti to help them get their financial settlement.

Eric Brody was only 18-years old when a sheriff's deputy cruiser crossed two lanes of traffic and slammed into the teen's car doing nearly twice the speed limit, according to his family.  A critically injured Brody was rushed to the hospital where he spent months in a coma.  He then bounced from hospitals and rehabilitation centers for more than a year leaving him with profound brain injuries and partially paralyzed for life.

In 2005 a jury found BSO negligent and responsible for Brody's injuries and awarded $30.6 million.  The sheriff's office appealed but the verdict was upheld by two appellate courts, including the Florida Supreme Court.  To this day the family has not received a dime.

It is a debt owed by the insurance company.   The only way the Brodys will be able to collect is if BSO pays the claim or if the sheriff's office supports a legislative bill which would force the insurance company to pay the claim.

The family claims BSO paid the insurance company $400 thousand in taxpayer money for its premium and then it refused to pay a legitimate claim.

A representative of the sheriff's office met with the Brody family Thursday, assuring them that Sheriff Lamberti would like to see the matter settled as well.