Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Andrew J. Meyers
Department: County Attorney
Information
Requested Action
title
MOTION TO APPROVE settlement, including costs and attorneys’ fees, in the case of David Blanchette vs. Broward County, 17th Judicial Circuit Court Case No. CACE20-011010 (21).
body
Why Action is Necessary
Board approval is necessary to resolve this pending lawsuit.
What Action Accomplishes
Settlement of pending litigation.
Is this Action Goal Related
No
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
On November 29, 2017, Plaintiff David Blanchette was a passenger in a vehicle proceeding through the intersection of NW 10th Court and NW 29th Terrace in Fort Lauderdale when a collision occurred with a Broward County Building Code Services vehicle. The Plaintiff filed a negligence action alleging the County’s driver ran a stop sign that caused the accident and led the Plaintiff to suffer serious injuries. The Plaintiff has undergone substantial medical treatment after the incident, including surgery. His medical expenses, to date, are $70,986.28.
The Plaintiff has agreed to release Broward County from all claims arising from the incident in exchange for $75,000.00, which includes costs and attorneys’ fees, subject to Board approval.
The Risk Management Division and Building Code Services Division recommend approval of this settlement.
Source of Additional Information
Robert D. Yates, Senior Assistant County Attorney, 954-357-7600
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
The source of funds is the County’s general liability self-insurance fund. Agencies of the County pay annual premiums into the fund based upon the number of their employees and five-year claims history.