TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Gov. Charlie Crist has signed a bill
that gives a 9-year-old disabled girl $1.2 million for injuries she
sustained due to the state's negligence.
Marissa Amora was admitted to Miami Children's Hospital in 2000
and workers reported concerns about her injuries to Department of
Children & Families.
But the department failed to complete its investigation and a
few weeks later Marissa was beaten into a coma by her biological
mother's boyfriend.
Marissa is permanently disabled and now lives in the Panhandle
with her adoptive parents.
She could receive more than $18 million as part of the state's
settlement, but the additional money would have to be provided by
the Legislature in the future.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)