Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance is submitted to settle the lawsuit known as Patricia Butts, et al. v. Matthew Dover, et al., Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Case No. 18CV-02-1834, in the amount of $35,000.00. On March 7, 2016, Patricia Butts was injured as a result of a collision between the automobile she was driving and a cruiser driven by Columbus Police Officer Matthew Dover. The collision occurred on East 17th Avenue at the intersection of the southbound ramp from I-71 in Columbus, Ohio when Officer Dover failed to stop at a stop sign. Plaintiff Patricia Butts claimed injuries to her head, neck, chest and back.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funds were not specifically budgeted for this settlement; however, sufficient monies are available in the General Fund to pay this settlement.
Title
To authorize the City Attorney to settle the lawsuit of Patricia Butts, et al. v. Matthew Dover, et al., pending in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas; to authorize the expenditure of $35,000.00 within the General Fund for payment of the settlement; and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, on February 28, 2018, Patricia Butts filed a lawsuit in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Case No. 18CV-02-1834, against the City of Columbus and Officer Matthew Dover in which she claimed the defendants’ negligence caused the collision resulting in personal injuries;
WHEREAS, following investigation and evaluation of plaintiff’s claims in the course of litigation, the parties reached an agreement to settle this matter. Due to the dispute of this claim and the risks and uncertainties associated with continued litigation, the settlement amount was deemed acceptable by the City of Columbus, along with dismissal of the lawsuit with prejudice and a release of the City of Columbus and Officer Matthew Dover from all further liability; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the City to settle this case for a total of Thirty-Five Thousand Dollars ($35,000); and
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