Gov. DeSantis signs bill giving $6 million to man shot, paralyzed by Palm Beach deputy

West Palm Beach, Fla — On Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill that will allow for a $6 million payment to a black man who was left paralyzed after being shot by a Palm beach County deputy.

In 2013, Deputy Adams Lin, said he pursued Dontrell Stephens for cutting across traffic on his bike. Deputy Lin said Stephens refused commands to raise his hands and it appeared he had a gun.

Deputy Lin fired 4 shots, one hitting Stephens in the spine. It turns out it was a cell phone in Stephens’ hand, not a gun.

A federal civil jury in 2016 had awarded Stephens $22 million after he sued, an amount Palm Beach Sheriff Ric Bradshaw refused to pay.

In March the Legislature approved a bill waiving the state’s $200,000 limit that local governments can be required to pay for damages in most cases.

"He faces a life of pain and imprisonment in a wheelchair," said Jack Scarola, Stephens' attorney. "Right now, he's dealing with decubitus ulcers that could result in his being readmitted to the hospital."

Now, Stephens is set to receive $1.5 million to cover past medical expenses, $3.4 million will fund an annuity, which will pay for future housing and future expenses.