Recommendation:
Approve an ordinance authorizing settlement and release agreement between the City of Houston and Ronald Latil in Cause No. 2017- 12533; Ronald Latil and Wife Evelyn Latil v. City of Houston; in the 165th Judicial District Court of Harris County, Texas.
Specific Explanation:
The automobile collision giving rise to this lawsuit occurred at 10:10 a.m. on 10 January 2017 in the 1400 block of LaConcha (a street located in the southern part of the Medical Center near the NRG Stadium complex). Kathy White Bryant, driving the City’s 2016 white Ford Focus, was traveling eastward on LaConcha before turning into the private drive of the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center located at 1400 LaConcha. As she reversed out of that private driveway, the back of the Ford Focus collided with the right front quarter panel of the 2012 Ford F150 pickup as Mr. Latil drove eastward along LaConcha on his way to the Motor Home & Boat Show going on in the NRG Stadium Complex. HPD investigating officer found Ms. Bryant at fault for the accident.
Mr. Latil went to the emergency room following the accident and was subsequently diagnosed with a left knee meniscus tear and traumatic brain injury. This case was called to trial, and Plaintiff presented a surgeon to testify as to a future neck fusion for Mr. Latil.
Past medical expenses were $37,731.74 and anticipated future medical expenses were approximately $125,000 to $150,000.
FISCAL NOTE:
Funding for this item is included in the FY2022 Adopted Budget. Therefore, no Fiscal Note is required as stated in the Financial Policies.
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Arturo G. Michel, City Attorney