DEPARTMENT: City Attorney
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Robert F. Greenblum
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Settlement of Rodriguez v. City of San Antonio
SUMMARY:
This item authorizes the settlement of a lawsuit styled Maria Elena Rodriguez v. City of San Antonio, Cause Number 2012-CI-03294 in the 224th District Court, Bexar County, Texas for payment in the amount of $185,000 from the Self-Insurance Liability Fund.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
This case involves a motor vehicle accident that occurred on March 7, 2010 between a private vehicle in which Maria Elena Rodriguez was a passenger and a City of San Antonio vehicle driven by Gabriel Trevino, an employee of the Police Department. At the time of the collision, both vehicles were traveling west on Loop 1604.
Ms. Rodriguez claims injuries to her knees, shoulders, neck and back for which she has incurred medical bills in the past and will incur future medical bills for additional medical treatment. She also claims lost income in the past and will continue to lose income in the future as a result of the accident.
ISSUE:
Settlements over $50,000 must be approved by City Council.
ALTERNATIVES:
If the settlement agreement is not approved by City Council, the case will proceed to trial. It is in the best interest of the City to settle this matter to avoid the uncertainties and risks associated with a jury trial.
FISCAL IMPACT:
If approved, the $185,000 settlement will be paid to Maria Elena Rodriguez and her attorneys of record. This will be funded in accordance with the Adopted FY 2014 Liability Fund Budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this ordinance.