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SPECIAL CLAIM NO. SC-1314-5: A CLAIM IN THE REDUCED AMOUNT OF $5,000 SUBMITTED BY PAT SCAVUZZO FOR MEDICAL EXPENSES INCURRED DUE TO A FALL IN THE NORMAN PUBLIC LIBRARY PARKING LOT.
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BACKGROUND: A claim has been filed by Pat Scavuzzo for medical expenses and pain and suffering in the amount of $11,578 due to an incident which occurred on March 12, 2012, when Ms. Scavuzzo fell on uneven pavement in the parking lot of the Norman Public Library causing injury to her left knee. The claim has been investigated. An offer to settle the claim for $5,000 is being presented for City Council consideration at this time.
DISCUSSION: The incident was investigated by Greg Hall, Street Superintendent. According to his investigation, the Street Division personnel were notified by Dave Pearo with the library on March 16, 2012. He advised that Ms. Scavuzzo had fallen in the parking lot. Street Division personnel responded and located an area where the pavement had partially collapsed and set out cones to block off the area the same day until other barricades could be brought to the location to better secure the site. A crew was scheduled to make repairs and discovered that a storm sewer located below the parking area had failed which caused the concrete to drop creating the uneven payment. No other calls reporting issues with the pavement in the parking area were received prior to the claim. Ms. Scavuzzo's injuries, treatment and recovery, along with the merits of the case and legal analysis have been provided to Council under a separate privileged and confidential document.
RECOMMENDATION: Based upon the above, it is recommended by the City Attorney's Office that the settlement of Ms. Scavuzzo's claim in the amount of $5,000, as above set forth, be approved by City Council.