SEMINOLE COUNTY, FLORIDA Header Image
File #: 2024-0697   
Category: Consent Item Status: Passed
File created: 5/14/2024 Type: Board of County Commissioners
On agenda: 6/11/2024 Final action: 6/11/2024
Title: Approve the proposed negotiated settlement of an auto liability/bodily injury lawsuit (Tre Johnte Melik Otero v. Seminole County, Florida, Case No. 2021CA002774) related to an automobile crash that occurred on September 4, 2020, for the total amount of $85,000, inclusive of attorney's fees. Countywide (Lorie Bailey Brown, CFO/Resource Management Director)
Attachments: 1. General Release by Tre Johnte Melik Otero.pdf

Title:

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Approve the proposed negotiated settlement of an auto liability/bodily injury lawsuit (Tre Johnte Melik Otero v. Seminole County, Florida, Case No. 2021CA002774) related to an automobile crash that occurred on September 4, 2020, for the total amount of $85,000, inclusive of attorney’s fees.  Countywide (Lorie Bailey Brown, CFO/Resource Management Director)

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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/407-665-5258

Background:

On September 4, 2020, Mr. Otero (Plaintiff) was the passenger in an automobile that was involved in a motor vehicle crash with a County-owned vehicle being operated by a Facilities employee.  The County employee received a citation for careless driving as a result of the law enforcement investigation of the crash.  Plaintiff claims medical bills for his alleged injuries totaling over $133,000.  Plaintiff served his Complaint on Seminole County on December 30, 2021.  On April 30, 2024, a tentative settlement agreement was reached contingent upon approval by the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners.  As evidenced by the attached signed General Release, Plaintiff has authorized his counsel to execute a Joint Stipulation for Dismissal with Prejudice of the lawsuit to be filed with the Court by counsel upon settlement.  The proposed settlement of $85,000 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:

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 $85,000, inclusive of attorney's fees, and authorize staff and counsel to execute all necessary settlement documents.