The logo of the Miccosukee Tribe

A judge in Florida returned nearly $5 million to the Miccosukee Tribe as part of a wrongful death case.

Two tribal members were found responsible for the death of a woman in a drunken-driving accident. Since they couldn't pay, Judge Ronald Dresnick held the tribe responsible for the $4.1 million judgment.

In July, an appeals court determined the tribe couldn't be held liable. So Dresnick agreed to return the money, plus interest.

The tribe was drawn into the dispute because it fronted the legal fees for the two tribal members in the case.The tribe apparently has been taking deductions from their per capita payments to recoup its costs.

Tribal members reportedly receive $164,000 a year.

Get the Story:
Miccosukees reclaim $5 million in car-crash case (The Miami Herald 9/25)

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

Related Stories:
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)