DEPARTMENT: City Attorney’s Office
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Andy Segovia, City Attorney
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Settlement of a lawsuit styled Jerry Dickson v. City of San Antonio
SUMMARY:
This item authorizes the settlement of a lawsuit styled Jerry Dickson v. City of San Antonio; Cause Number 2018-CI-09394, pending in 407th Judicial District Court, Bexar County, Texas in the amount of $195,000.00. This amount will be paid from the Self-Insurance Liability Fund.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
An auto accident occurred on November 30, 2017 on westbound IH 410 near the San Pedro/Blanco Exit involving a vehicle being operated by Jerry Dickson and a City owned vehicle being operated by an employee of the City’s Transportation & Capital Improvements Department (now the Public Works Department). Mr. Dickson suffered injuries, incurred medical expenses and is seeking to recover damages.
The parties have agreed to settle the claims of Mr. Dickson for $195,000.00, subject to City Council approval. The funds are available 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.
FISCAL IMPACT:
If approved, $195,000.00 will be paid to Jerry Dickson and his attorney of record, the Thomas J. Henry Law Firm. This will be funded in accordance with the FY 2020 Liability Fund Adopted Budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this item.