The seal of the Miccosukee Tribe in Florida

The widower of a woman who was killed in drunken driving accident must repay $72,000 to the Miccosukee Tribe in Florida after losing an appeal in the case.

Carlos Bermudez won a $4.1 million judgment against two tribal members who were held responsible for the death of his wife in 1998. When the tribal members couldn't pay, he tried to recoup the money from the tribe.

An appeals court, however, said the tribe can't be held liable. So the tribe reclaimed nearly $5 million that was deposited in a court registry and now Bermudez is on the hook for a $72,000 administrative fee associated with that deposit.

Get the Story:
Husband of woman killed by Miccosukee driver hit with $72,000 court fee (The Miami Herald 10/14)

Florida Court of Appeals Decision:
Miccosukee Tribe v. Bermudez (July 2, 2014)

Related Stories:
Miccosukee Tribe reclaims nearly $5M in wrongful death case (09/25)
Court won't make Miccosukee Tribe pay $4.1M in wrongful death (07/03)
Miccosukee Tribe asked to pay $3.2M for wrongful death case (06/21)
Judge fines attorneys $50K for handling of Miccosukee clients (04/18)
Lawyer contradicts testimony from former Miccosukee clients (4/17)
Miccosukee family doesn't know who paid $3.1M to legal team (4/16)