Claim: On March 5, 2015, former Solid Waste Department employee Charlie Abraham was involved in a vehicular collision with Mr. Living. Mr. Abraham was driving a Solid Waste automated side-loader truck, working his assigned route. He proceeded from a stop sign on Bennington Street to cross Homestead, and collided with Mr. Living's vehicle which was south-bound on Homestead. He was cited by HPD. Mr. Living alleges that he sustained serious injuries, i.e. a lacerated liver, as well as soft-tissue damages to his neck, back, and knees. Following the accident, he underwent surgery and was hospitalized for a week at LBJ Hospital. Mr. Living incurred total medical expenses in the amount of $162,884.27.
As a result of this accident, Mr. Living brought suit against Houston in Cause No. 2015-14566; Billy Joe Living v. City of Houston, Texas; in the 270th Judicial District Court of Harris County, Texas. After a thorough review, the Legal Department recommends that Council adopt an ordinance authorizing and approving the Compromise and Settlement Agreement and approve and authorize the payment of $180,000.00 out of the Property and Casualty fund payable as follows:
$150,111.78 to Billy Joe Living and his attorney The Stern Law Group;
$ 20,890.72 to Harris County Hospital District; and
$ 8,997.50 to UT Physicians