On the Agenda Tuesday:
The City of Lake Worth is settling. The settlement is to resolve a claim by Mr. Coicou for injuries he sustained in August 2015. The settlement consists of the City’s paying of $30,000 to Mr. Coicou in exchange for a general release of the City.
BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION:
On August 14, 2015, Mr. Coicou, who is the 82 years old “claimant,” was riding his bicycle to church in the
designated bicycle lane on M Street. M Street is a one-way street with one vehicle lane and one bicycle lane.
The City’s garbage truck was stopped in the vehicle lane, and as claimant approached, the city employee threw a garbage can from inside the hopper which struck claimant on the head. Claimant fell off of his bicycle and hit the pavement. He was transported to the emergency room, where he complained of head pain and right knee pain. After unsuccessful therapy, claimant had knee surgery and now is unable to ride his bicycle, and complains of walking with difficulty. Claimant also has outstanding medical bills. The City’s Attorney and Risk management department have negotiated a settlement of $30,000 for this claim. The settlement is contingent upon City Commission approval and the Claimant’s general release in favor of the City.
Why did it take 2.5 years to settle this with Mr. Coicou who is now 84 years old and who had to have surgery due to this accident? This is no way to treat a citizen especially a senior citizen who lives in our city. Is this all about jacking up legal fees? I wonder what this little old man finally gets out of this.
3 comments:
The city plays games with citizens and employees when it comes to legal claims.
If he is 82 now means he was 79 at the time. Why would he have outstanding medical bills? Bikes are good for knee issues and even without it he would have issues at his age. This isnt a medical payment or loss of use payment; this is pain and suffering and get something from the city because someone made a mistake payment.
At his age of 82 when this accident occurred, it could kill an elderly person. "Mistakes" cost people money. In this case it was an old man, knocked on the head with a garbage can (how heavy is that?) knocking him to the pavement and causing a knee injury that needed surgery.
I see you are not one of those who have any empathy for the elderly. One little fall can cause irreversible harm.
That is why employees get workman's comp when they have an injury/accident on the job. Why should a little old man not be compensated for this accident that might have shortened his life or ability to navigate as he had prior to this.
My point was why stretch this out for 2 years?
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