DEPARTMENT: City Attorney’s Office
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Martha G. Sepeda, Acting City Attorney
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Settlement of Jessica Alvarez and Anthony Salas v. City of San Antonio.
SUMMARY:
This item authorizes the settlement of a lawsuit styled Jessica Alvarez and Anthony Salas v. City of San Antonio pending in the 45th Judicial District Court, Bexar County, Texas for an amount up to $130,000.00. This amount will be paid from the Self-Insured Liability Fund.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
This lawsuit arose out of a motor vehicle accident that occurred on May 13, 2014 in the 7000 block of West Commerce Street. A City vehicle driven by a Solid Waste Department employee collided with a vehicle in which Anthony Salas was a passenger. Mr. Salas claims to have sustained injuries which led to a subsequent surgery with related medical expenses and lost earnings as a result of this accident. The parties have reached an agreement to settle the claims of Mr. Salas, subject to City Council approval.
ISSUE:
Settlements over $50,000 require City Council approval.
ALTERNATIVES:
If this settlement is not approved by City Council, this matter will proceed to trial. It is in the best interest of the City to settle this lawsuit to avoid the uncertainty and risks attendant to litigation.
FISCAL IMPACT:
If approved, $130,000 will be paid to Anthony Salas and his attorney of record. This amount will be funded in accordance with the Adopted FY 2016 Liability Fund Budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this item.