SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve settlement of workers’ compensation claims 14000052 and 15000029, for payment of $60,000.00 inclusive and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
The Claimant was previously employed by the City of Clearwater as a Fire Fighter/Medic. On April 22, 2014, Claimant suffered a back injury while responding to a call. Claimant had surgery and was released to full duty. On February 8, 2015, Claimant had an on-the-job injury that aggravated the previous back injury. Claimant had another surgery and was assigned a total 12% impairment rating. The treating physician opined that Claimant could never go back to Fire Fighter duties again. To date, the City has spent $160,658.61 for expenses related to these claims.
The Claimant was approved for a disability pension on May 12, 2016. The claimant and claimant’s attorney have agreed to settle this claim for $60,000 inclusive of attorney fees and costs.
The entire past and future indemnity and medical claims with a general release and all attorney fees and cost would settle per statute for a total settlement of $60,000. The City’s Risk Management Division; outside attorney for the City of Clearwater, Mark Hungate with Banker Lopez Gassler, P.A.; and the City’s Claims Committee recommend approval.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for the payment of this settlement is available in the budget for claims expense in the Central Insurance Fund, 0590-07590-545800-519-000-0000