Peter Schorsch
A claims bill to fulfill a $5 million settlement to the brother of a South Florida girl whose decomposing body was found in her father’s pesticide truck will not be heard in the upcoming legislative session.
The Miami Herald reports that the state agreed last year to settle with Victor Barahona, who had severe chemical burns when he was found with his twin sister alongside Interstate 95 in 2011.
Victor received $1.25 million, but the rest was to come from the Legislature in a claims bill.
A staff attorney for Senate President Don Gaetz says the bill will be held while lawsuits filed by other children adopted by the twins’ parents are pending.
Victor’s attorney says there’s no legislative requirement to halt a claims bill while related lawsuits are pending.
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Republished with permission of the Associated Press.
