SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve settlement of workers’ compensation claim 03000176, Louis Georgantas, for payment of $95,000 inclusive of attorney fees and costs with a general release of all claims and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
On September 17, 2003, the claimant, a lieutenant firefighter, was on a ladder truck fighting a house fire. While on the roof with another firefighter, he cut a hole in the roof. The other firefighter was unable to move a ladder, so he quickly moved it by himself, and was injured. He was initially treated at a walk-in clinic. The claimant was out of work, then returned and did light duty until he underwent surgery on June 19, 2006. He returned to work post-op to light duty, then full duty, but eventually he returned to light duty in Logistics.
The claimant’s condition has progressively worsened over the last 2 years.
The future medical and wage loss are significant in this claim and are likely to exceed $400,000. To date, the City has paid loss wages for the claimant at $13,251.83, medical expenses at $76,940, and legal expenses at $9,717. Due to the potential exposure of additional surgery and other medical issues, it was decided to arrange a mediation to resolve this claim.
On Sept. 1, 2017, mediation was held to attempt the settlement of this claim. The claimant and his attorney agreed to settle this claim at $95,000.00, inclusive of attorney fees and cost, and contingent on City Council approval.
The TPA, Gallagher Bassett Services; 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:
0590-07590-545800-519-000-0000 $95,000.00