STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Fiscally Sound
AGENDA DATE: May 14, 2025
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, Lonzo Richmond v. City of Dallas, Cause No. DC-23-09255 - Not to exceed $29,000.00 - Financing: Liability Reserve Fund
Body
BACKGROUND
Plaintiff Lonzo Richmond filed a lawsuit against the City of Dallas, seeking compensation for bodily injuries and other damages after he was struck by a trash bin being serviced by Department of Sanitation Services employees on May 19, 2022. The parties tried the case before a jury on February 12, 2025. The jury determined that Mr. Richmond and the city’s employees were at fault for the accident, assigning 65.0% liability to the City and 35.0% to Richmond. The jury then awarded Mr. Richmond $36,281.40 in compensatory and noneconomic damages; however, that amount was reduced to $23,582.91 based on the percentage of fault assigned to the parties. In addition, as Mr. Richmond was the prevailing party, the court assessed prejudgment interest on past damages at a rate of 7.5% from March 25, 2023, through the day before judgment was entered, taxable court costs, and post-judgment interest on the total amount awarded at a rate of 7.5% from the date the judgment is signed until paid. Ben Abbott & Associates represents Mr. Richmond.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
A confidential memorandum regarding this matter will be provided to the City Council on May 9, 2025.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2025 |
FY 2026 |
Future Years |
|
Liability Reserve Fund |
$29,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |