SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve settlement of workers’ compensation claims 15-000167,17-000133 and 17-000148 for payment of $82,500 inclusive of attorney fees and costs for Ronald Neuberger with a general release of all claims and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
Mr. Neuberger sustained injuries on December 26, 2015, September 7, 2017 and September 25, 2017 from three separate incidents. He was employed at the City as a Fire Inspector for seven years and retired from the Fire Department in June 2018 with an in-line-of-duty disability pension.
The City has spent a total of $137,356 for all three claims. As a result of these accidents, he had surgery and may undergo another more complicated procedure in the future since current treatment is not entirely effective. The City faces a potential $90,000.00 in surgical costs and treatment for this operation. As a result, based on his life expectancy, the City’s exposure, including the $90,000 in surgical costs and treatment, is projected to be $434,000 to $546,000 in future medical care and lost wages.
Mediation on September 4, 2018, was unsuccessful; however, shortly afterward, the claimant and his attorney agreed to settle all his claims for $82,500, inclusive of attorney fees and costs, contingent on City Council approval.
The Risk Management Division; the outside attorney for the City of Clearwater, Mark Hungate with Banker Lopez Gassler, P.A.; and the City’s Claims Committee recommend approval.
Funding for the payment of this settlement is available in the budget for claims expense in the Central Insurance Fund.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
5907590-545800 $82,500.00