Family Expands Orlando Police Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The family of Milagros Ortiz now seeks $92 million in damages from additional corporate defendants following a fatal crash.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Accidents
The family of 92-year-old Milagros Ortiz filed an amended complaint in a $92 million wrongful death lawsuit against three new corporate defendants. The legal action follows a fatal 2026 collision involving an Orlando Police Department vehicle.
Why it matters
The lawsuit alleges that equipment defects in the patrol vehicle, specifically regarding its lights and siren, contributed to the collision. It seeks to bypass Florida sovereign immunity caps by targeting private manufacturers for their role in the vehicle's maintenance.
Officer Andrew McKuhen previously received an 80-hour suspension for violating agency driving policy, though the state attorney declined criminal charges. The lawsuit now includes Ford Motor Company, Dana Safety Supply, Inc., and Federal Signal Corporation, Inc.
The players
Milagros Ortiz
She was the 92-year-old victim who died following the collision with an Orlando police vehicle.
Andrew McKuhen
He is the Orlando Police Department officer who was operating the patrol vehicle at the time of the crash.
Benjamin Crump
He is the attorney representing the family of Milagros Ortiz in the wrongful death litigation.
The details
Traffic camera footage indicates the officer's patrol vehicle entered the intersection at South Semoran Boulevard and Hoffner Avenue against a red light. The lawsuit claims that product defects and maintenance issues caused the emergency lights to deactivate moments before the impact.
Timeline
January 18, 2026: The collision involving Milagros Ortiz and an Orlando Police Department vehicle occurred.
August 2026: Attorney Benjamin Crump announced the filing of the wrongful death lawsuit.
October 2026: The family filed an amended complaint naming additional corporate defendants.
Legal Context
This case follows a pattern of litigation attempting to navigate Florida sovereign immunity caps by naming private vendors as co-defendants. By targeting manufacturers, the plaintiffs challenge the historical precedent that limits liability for government-related traffic accidents.
This case highlights the ongoing scrutiny of emergency vehicle operations at major city intersections like South Semoran Boulevard and Hoffner Avenue. Residents may see continued legal and policy discussions regarding the maintenance standards and safety protocols for local patrol fleets.
The takeaway
Families pursuing legal action against government agencies often look for secondary liability among equipment suppliers to address statutory damage limits. Ensuring transparency in the maintenance of public safety vehicles remains a central concern for local oversight.
Further reading
Learn more about local investigations and traffic safety reports on the Orlando accidents section page.
