STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Government Performance & Financial Management
AGENDA DATE: September 25, 2024
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): N/A
DEPARTMENT: City Attorney’s Office
EXECUTIVE: Tammy L. Palomino
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize payment of the jury verdict entered against the City in the lawsuit styled Terry Branch v. Willie Rettig, Lamar Lambert and City of Dallas, Cause No. DC-22-09242 - Not to exceed $60,000.00 - Financing: Liability Reserve Fund
Body
BACKGROUND
Plaintiff Terry Branch filed a lawsuit against Willie Rettig, a non-city employee, former Department of Sanitation Services employee Lamar Lambert, and the City of Dallas, seeking compensation for alleged bodily injuries and other damages arising from an automobile collision on November 9, 2020. The case was tried before a jury on August 6 and 7, 2024. The jury determined that the accident was proximately caused by the negligence of the City’s driver in the operation of a motor vehicle and assigned 100% liability to the City. The jury awarded Terry Branch $44,554.00 in compensatory and noneconomic damages. Additionally, because Terry Branch prevailed at trial, the court assessed prejudgment interest on past damages at a rate of 8.5% from May 25, 2021, through the day before judgment is entered, taxable court costs, and post-judgment interest on the total amount awarded at a rate of 8.5% from the date the judgment is signed until paid. Terry Branch is represented by Link & Associates.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
A confidential memorandum regarding this matter will be provided to the City Council on September 20, 2024.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2024 |
FY 2025 |
Future Years |
|
Liability Reserve Fund |
$60,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |