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 Austin Denis Denney vs. Broward County, 17th Judicial Circuit Court Case No. CACE24-014039 (08).
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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
The Plaintiff, Austin Denis Denney, filed a lawsuit alleging that on November 13, 2023, he was operating his vehicle eastbound on State Road 84 near SW 8th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale when a Broward County Health Department vehicle made a left turn directly in front of his path of travel, causing a collision. As a result of the collision, the Plaintiff suffered injuries.
The Plaintiff has agreed to release Broward County and the Florida Department of Health from all claims arising from the incident in exchange for $95,000.00, inclusive of costs and attorneys’ fees, subject to Board approval. The current sovereign immunity damages cap for this matter is $200,000.00.
The Risk Management Division and the Florida Department of Health 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.