Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Andrew J. Meyers
Department: County Attorney
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO APPROVE settlement, including costs and attorneys’ fees, in the case titled Alvarado Vassell and Pauline Richards vs. Broward County, 17th Judicial Circuit Court Case No. CACE25-001259 (03).
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Why Action is Necessary
Board approval is necessary to resolve this pending lawsuit.
What Action Accomplishes
Settlement of pending litigation.
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Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
Plaintiffs Alvarado Vassell and Pauline Richards filed a lawsuit alleging that, on December 14, 2023, they were traveling southbound on State Road 7 in Hollywood when a Broward County bus entered the intersection from Johnson Street against a red traffic signal, resulting in a violent T-bone collision. The Plaintiffs allege that they sustained serious injuries as a result of the collision.
Plaintiff Pauline Richards has agreed to release Broward County from all claims arising from the incident in exchange for $75,000, inclusive of costs and attorneys’ fees, subject to Board approval. The current sovereign immunity damages cap for this matter is $300,000 in the aggregate when combined with other claims. Alvarado Vassell, the driver of the Plaintiffs’ vehicle, entered into a settlement that was approved by the County Attorney and the County Administrator pursuant to an executed concurrence memorandum in accordance with Section 1-51.3(e)(2) of the Broward County Code of Ordinances.
The Risk Management Division and Transit 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.