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RESOLUTION NO. R-1213-100: A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, AUTHORIZING COMPROMISE SETTLEMENT OF THE CLAIM FILED BY KIM STEPHENS UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION STATUTES OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA IN THE CASE OF KIM STEPHENS V. THE CITY OF NORMAN, WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CASE NO. WCC 2010-02282 J; DIRECTING THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT TO THEN FILE SUCH SETTLEMENT AND ALL ATTENDANT COSTS IN THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION COURT, OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE FINANCE DIRECTOR TO SUBSEQUENTLY PURCHASE SUCH WORKERS' COMPENSATION COURT JUDGMENT FROM THE RISK MANAGEMENT INSURANCE FUND.
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BACKGROUND: Kim Stephens was a Plant Operator “D” with the Water Treatment Plant Division of the Utilities Department who filed Workers’ Compensation Claim WCC 2010-02282 J on March 2, 2010 for lower back and right side injuries after falling over a pipe. He also alleged consequential depression. The case proceeded through the normal litigation process and a mediation was held on January 30, 2013. Council discussed this case in Executive Session on February 12, 2013. The settlement reached in mediation is being presented to City Council at this time. It is recommended that this settlement be accepted.
DISCUSSION: Mr. Stephens was hired on March 13, 1989 as a part time custodial worker and through promotions as a Plant Operator “D”. He had been employed with the City for approximately 23 years. His injuries are due to a single event on February 16, 2010 when he tripped and fell over a pipe during his shift at the water treatment plant. He landed primarily on his right side, low back, and he also hit his head. He had multiple injuries as a result of the fall: right shoulder (with surgery), neck (with surgery), right hand/wrist (with surgery), right elbow (conservative treatment), back (treated with injections) and post-concussion treatment to his head. Mr. Stephens was initially seen at Norman Regional Occupat...
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