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RESOLUTION NO. R-1314-142: A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN OKLAHOMA, AUTHORIZING COMPROMISE SETTLEMENT OF A CLAIM FILED BY EARL BRIDGEFORD UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION STATUTES OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA IN THE CASE OF EARL BRIDGEFORD V. THE CITY OF NORMAN, WORKERS' COMPENSATION CASE NO. WCC-2010-14361A; 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 JUDGMENTS FROM THE RISK MANAGEMENT INSURANCE FUND.
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BACKGROUND: Earl Bridgeford was a permanent part-time Custodian for the Water Treatment Plant in the Utilities Department. He filed Workers' Compensation Claim WCC 2010-14361 A on December 17, 2010, alleging cumulative trauma to his bilateral hands with a date of last exposure on November 12, 2008. On September 27, 2011, he added bilateral elbows to his claim. The case proceeded through the normal litigation process and, through settlement negotiations; Mr. Bridgeford has agreed to settle his claim for the amount of $24,904.44. The settlement offer is being presented to City Council at this time. It is recommended that this settlement be accepted.
DISCUSSION:
Nature of Claim. Mr. Bridgeford began his employment with the City on August 26, 1981 as a Maintenance Worker I in the Parks Department. After 28 years, he was accepted for a permanent part-time position as Custodian at the Water Treatment Plant.
Issues for Trial. Mr. Bridgeford claims injury to both hand and elbows due to years of repetitive use of park maintenance tools and operating cleaning and floor waxing equipment. This type of claim is known as cumulative trauma and has been routinely recognized by the Workers' Compensation Courts, particularly in instances involving long term employees. Therefore, the issue to be tried before the...
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