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RESOLUTION R-1920-43: A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, AUTHORIZING JOINT PETITION SETTLEMENT OF THE CLAIM FILED BY RYAN LOVELESS UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION STATUTES OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA IN THE CASE OF RYAN LOVELESS V. THE CITY OF NORMAN, WORKERS' COMPENSATION COMMISSION CASE NO. 2017-05504 A; DIRECTING THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT TO THEN FILE SUCH SETTLEMENT AND ALL ATTENDANT COSTS IN THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION COMMISSION, OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE FINANCE DIRECTOR TO SUBSEQUENTLY PURCHASE SUCH WORKERS' COMPENSATION COMMISSION JUDGMENT FROM THE RISK MANAGEMENT INSURANCE FUND.
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BACKGROUND: Ryan Loveless, a heavy equipment operator for the City of Norman Water Line Maintenance Division of the Utilities Department, filed Workers Compensation Commission Case No. 2017-05504 A on August 27, 2017 alleging a single incident injury to the spine on August 29, 2016 when he was shoveling and twisting. The claim was admitted by the City of Norman and it proceeded through the normal litigation process. Prior to a trial being held, Mr. Loveless has agreed to settle this claim in the total amount of $13,566 which represents 12% permanent partial disability to the body as a whole. The settlement offer is being recommended and is being presented to the City Council for consideration.
DISCUSSION: Mr. Loveless is a 16-year employee of the City of Norman who was hired as a maintenance worker I on February 21, 2003 and promoted to a maintenance worker II on July 26, 2006 and heavy equipment officer on March 28, 2008.
Medical Treatment. Mr. Loveless was initially seen by Dr. Harris on September 6, 2016 and sent for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam for the lumbar spine on September 12, 2016 which revealed his previous L5-S1 laminectomy, a previous work related injury to his back on April 30, 2012. The MRI also revealed a L4-5 disc herniation. He was referred to Dr. Voto and on D...
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