MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. – A Brevard County jury has awarded millions to a Merritt Island man who was paralyzed after he dove into the Indian River on a dare.
The jury decided Timothy Hoffman should receive $76.6 million. The money will cover medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.
Hoffman, a former construction worker, broke his neck when he slammed headfirst into the shallow water in 2003.
It is unclear if Hoffman will be able to collect the judgment. The former owner of the defendant in the case, C&D Dock Works, said the company has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. A judge ruled the company was negligent in 2007.
The company's former owner denied negligence and said he could not afford a lawyer to defend the company in Hoffman's case.
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