Title:
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Approve the proposed mediated settlement of an auto liability/bodily injury lawsuit (Henry Jones vs. Seminole County, Florida, Case No. 2022CA001281) related to an automobile crash that occurred on May 26, 2020, for the total amount of $95,000, inclusive of attorney’s fees. Countywide (Bill Telkamp, Risk Manager)
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Division:
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Resource Management - Risk Management
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Authorized By:
Lorie Bailey Brown, CFO/Resource Management Director
Contact/Phone Number:
Bill Telkamp, Risk Manager/407-665-5258
Background:
On May 26, 2020, Henry Jones was operating a 1995 Chevrolet pickup truck eastbound on SR 436 near Kewannee Trail in Casselberry. A Seminole County rescue vehicle was westbound on SR 436 in emergency response mode. As the rescue vehicle neared Kewannee Trail, paramedics caring for a patient in the rear of the rescue vehicle signaled to the driver that he should downgrade the response to non-emergency. The rescue vehicle driver turned off the vehicle’s emergency equipment but was unable to stop for the red traffic signal at SR 436 and Kewannee Trail and proceeded through the red light. Mr. Jones stated he had a green left turn arrow and was making a left turn when his vehicle was struck by the rescue vehicle.
Plaintiff filed the above-referenced lawsuit on June 6, 2022 in the Circuit Court of the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit in and for Seminole County, Florida. Mr. Jones claims various injuries, with documented medical bills exceeding $22,000, and claimed total medical costs exceeding $45,000. A bodily injury claim for a passenger in the Jones vehicle was settled pre-suit for $30,000. As evidenced by the attached signed General Release, Mr. Jones has authorized his counsel to execute a Joint Stipulation for Dismissal with Prejudice of the lawsuit to be filed with the Court by our counsel upon settlement. The proposed settlement of $95,000 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.
recommendation
Staff Recommendation:
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 $95,000, inclusive of attorney's fees, and authorize staff and counsel to execute all necessary settlement documents.