DEPARTMENT: City Attorney’s Office
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Andrew Segovia
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Settlement of a lawsuit styled Maria Salazar v. City of San Antonio
SUMMARY:
This item authorizes the settlement of a lawsuit styled Maria Salazar v. City of San Antonio; Cause Number 2017-CI-12466, pending in 131st Judicial District Court, Bexar County, Texas in the total amount of $100,000.00. This amount will be paid from the Self-Insurance Liability Fund.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Maria Salazar is seeking damages from an auto accident that occurred on December 6, 2016 in the 300 block of Spruce Street in San Antonio. The accident involved an auto being operated by Maria Salazar and a City owned vehicle being operated by an employee of the Solid Waste Management Department.
The parties have reached a mutual agreement to settle these claims with payment of $100,000 to Maria Salazar, subject to City Council approval. This amount would be paid from the Self-Insurance Liability Fund.
ISSUE:
Settlements over $50,000 require City Council approval.
ALTERNATIVES:
If this settlement is not approved by the City Council, this case will proceed to a jury trial. It is in the best interest of the City to settle this matter to avoid the uncertainties and risks associated with litigation in a case of disputed damages.
FISCAL IMPACT:
If approved, $100,000.00 will be paid to Maria Salazar and her attorney Paula Wyatt. This will be funded in accordance with the FY 2020 Liability Fund Adopted Budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this item.