COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
SUBJECT:
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Provide direction regarding settlement related to a motor vehicle accident that occurred on September 1, 2020 (Claim #373088).
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DEPARTMENT:
City Attorney
SUMMARY:
On September 1, 2020, Ronnie Wood was attempting to exit the Florida Shores Plaza, turning right to head south on U.S. 1. A City employee, Sergeant Soltz, who was driving a police vehicle was stopped behind Mr. Wood, also waiting for traffic to clear to exit the parking lot onto southbound U.S. 1. Mr. Wood rolled forward and then stopped. Sergeant Soltz also rolled forward as he continued to watch the traffic lanes to his left. Sergeant Soltz was not prepared for Mr. Wood to stop and he impacted the rear of Mr. Wood’s vehicle. Sergeant Soltz was driving a 2009 Ford Crown Victoria. Ronnie Wood was driving a 2015 Ford Taurus.
Mr. Wood has a long history of degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease for which he was treating at the time of the accident. The impact of the September 1 accident exacerbated these pre-existing conditions and caused increased neck and back pain and headaches.
As a result of the accident, Mr. Wood incurred $89,193.84 in medical bills. Of that amount $31,154.17 is still owed and there are liens from the VA and Humana totaling $21,704.04.
Because liability is fairly clear against the City and the accident occurred prior to Florida’s Tort Reform Act, the PGCS claims representative had intended to settle this claim pre-suit. However, it wasn’t until after the Plaintiff’s deposition was taken that Plaintiff’s counsel sought a negotiated settlement in the range that PGCS felt was reasonable.
Pending City Council approval, the parties agreed to settle the claim for $40,000.00 to be paid by PGIT.
BUDGETED ITEM: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ Not Applicable
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ Not Applicable
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approve settlement of Claim #373088 for $40,000.00.