SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Request for authority to pay judgment in the case of Maximus Giannikos v. City of Clearwater, Case No. 22-424-CI for $200,000.00.
Body
SUMMARY:
On May 28, 2019, Maximus Giannikos crossed the intersection of US 19 and Gulf-to-Bay Blvd. when he was struck by a car driven by a private citizen who was not affiliated with the City. Mr. Giaanikos then initiated a lawsuit against the City on January 26, 2022.
The case proceeded to a jury trial that occurred between September 9, 2024 and September 13, 2024. The trial was bifurcated with the issue of liability tried first. The jury returned a liability verdict finding the plaintiff 55% at fault for his own harm. Had the accident happened today, the liability verdict would have resulted in a judgment in favor of the City. Since it did not, the case proceeded to a damages trial where the jury returned a verdict in excess of the statutory cap.
Authority is being sought to pay the City’s payment liability under the judgment in the amount of $200,000.00, subject to the disposition of any post-judgment motions.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
This settlement will be paid from Central Insurance Liability Claims cost code 5907590-545900. The Central Insurance Fund is an internal service fund that accounts for city-wide insurance costs and claims.