Explanation
Background:
This ordinance is to settle the claim of Heather Garrett, now known as Heather Seavolt, and her husband, Matthew Seavolt, in the total amount of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00).
On July 7, 2012, shortly after 12 a.m., Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Seavolt and Heather Garrett, now known as Heather Seavolt, were in their vehicle along with two passengers when they pulled into the parking lot at Barnes Street and Kilbourne Avenue in the Arena District. There was a police shooting some distance from that location. At this point, Heather asked her husband, Matthew, to examine her back because she felt that something may have hit her. An emergency squad transported Heather to the Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University. When she arrived at the hospital, she was unresponsive and necessitated intubation to protect her airway. X-rays did not reveal any evidence of a bullet remaining in her body. Doctors determined that Heather needed an exploratory laparotomy to confirm that she did not have any foreign matter remaining in her body. It was determined that the bullet wound was a graze injury that failed to penetrate her back; however, the exploratory surgery did leave her with a long scar. To date, Heather Seavolt has incurred $62,506.62 in medical expenses. The City Attorney, with the approval of the Department of Public Safety, has been able to negotiate a settlement in the total amount of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) for all claims stemming from this incident.
Fiscal impact:
Funds were not specifically budgeted for this settlement; however, funds will be transferred within the Division of Police General Fund budget from the transfers line item to claims to properly align appropriation with projected expenditure.
Title
To authorize and direct the City Attorney to settle the claim of Heather and Matthew Seavolt; to authorize the transfer and expenditure of $150,000.00 within the Division of Polic...
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