Title:
title
Approve the proposed negotiated settlement of a general liability/bodily injury lawsuit (Franki Gonzalez v. Seminole County, Florida, Case No. 2023CA000424) related to a bicycle accident that occurred on June 12, 2022, for the total amount of $100,000, inclusive of attorney’s fees. Countywide (Lorie Bailey Brown, CFO/Resource Management Director)
end
Division:
division
Resource Management - Risk Management
body
Authorized By:
Lorie Bailey Brown, CFO/Resource Management Director
Contact/Phone Number:
Bill Telkamp/407-665-5258
Background:
On June 12, 2022, Ms. Gonzalez (Plaintiff) was riding her road bicycle with a group of bicyclists on Pine Way in unincorporated Sanford, Seminole County, Florida. As the bicyclists were passing the area of 1315 Pine Way, Plaintiff reports hitting a “gouge” in the roadway, causing her to lose control of her bicycle and crash into the shoulder of the roadway. An investigation concluded there were several gouges in the roadway, and they likely existed for many years. Plaintiff claims medical bills for her alleged injuries totaling almost $300,000. Plaintiff served her Complaint on Seminole County on March 1, 2023. The case was mediated on August 20, 2024, without resolution. On September 9, 2024, after post-mediation settlement discussions, Plaintiff made a final demand of $100,000, which was tentatively accepted pending approval by the Board of County Commissioners.
As evidenced by the attached signed General Release, Plaintiff has authorized her counsel to file with the Court a Stipulated Voluntary Dismissal with Prejudice. The proposed settlement of $100,000 is inclusive of attorney’s fees and provides for a full and complete settlement of any and all claims, rights and actions whatsoever that the Plaintiff has or may have against Seminole County.
Requested Action:
Staff requests the Board approve the proposed negotiated settlement of any and all claims, rights and actions whatsoever that the Plaintiff has or may have against Seminole County for the total amount of $100,000, inclusive of attorney's fees, and authorize staff and counsel to execute all necessary settlement documents.