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SPECIAL CLAIM NO. SC-1314-13: A CLAIM IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,974.87 SUBMITTED BY NORMAN REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM FOR COSTS TO REPLACE THE LOADING DOCK RAMP AROUND THE TRASH COMPACTOR AT 901 NORTH PORTER AVENUE DAMAGED BY SANITATION EMPLOYEES WHILE LOADING THE COMPACTOR ON THE TRUCK.
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BACKGROUND: A claim has been filed by Norman Regional Health System the amount of $3,974.87 for replacement of the ramp around the trash compactor at the loading dock at 901 North Porter due to their claim that a sanitation employee failed to raise the ramp before loading the trash compactor on October 21, 2013.
DISCUSSION: This claim was investigated by Scottie Williams, Utilities superintendent, who indicates that the worker who was servicing the compactor on October 21, 2013, cut his arm during the process. He immediately stopped in order to take care of his arm and, once he was ready to leave the NRHS area, he did not remember that he had not unhooked the truck from the compactor. When he drove off the ramp, the still attached compactor was pulled onto the ramp and damaged it beyond repair.
As indicated above, there appears to be possible negligence on the part of the City in this matter and, consequently, potential liability on the City. The damages claimed by Norman Regional Health System in the amount of $3,974.87 for replacement of the ramp appear to be reasonable.
RECOMMENDATION: Based upon possible negligence in this case, it is the recommendation of the City Attorney's Office that the claim of Norman Regional Health System in the amount of $3,974.87 be approved.