HomeMy WebLinkAboutcover memoCITY OF MIAMI
CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Maria J. Chiaro, Interim City Attorney
DATE: August 25, 2004
RE: Proposed Settlement -City Commission Agenda -September 9, 2004
Alexander Armas, et al., v. Coral Gables Hospital, et al.
Case No. 99-22546 CA 20; Claim No. 000757-001738-GB-01
(File No. 04-00784)
The attached proposed Resolution seeks authorization for settlement of all claims against
the City of Miami in the above -referenced case in the amount of $75,000.
This is an action brought by Scott Liberman and Michael Ryan on behalf of Alexander
Armas for negligence, and his wife Cristine Armas for loss of consortium. Mr. Armas sustained
a fractured skull and other significant head trauma as a result of being hit in the head with a
baseball during a game at Grapeland Park. City paramedics responded, but instead of
transporting Mr. Armas to Jackson Memorial Hospital, they transported him to the emergency
room at Coral Gables Hospital. Coral Gables emergency room was not equipped to handle
surgical neurological emergencies. Mr. Armas' condition deteriorated at Coral Gables to the
point that he became comatose. He was then transported to Jackson, where he underwent
emergency brain surgery. Mr. Armas remained in a coma for 10 days. Mr. Armas now suffers
from short-term memory deficits, a seizure disorder, and cognitive dysfunctioning. His medical
bills at Jackson are approximately $125,000.
Plaintiffs sought $200,000 at the outset of this litigation as a result of the alleged
negligence of the paramedics' failure to properly access the seriousness of Mr. Armas'
condition. After extensive negotiation, the parties have agreed to this substantially reduced
amount, without admission of liability.
The City Attorney's Office has investigated and evaluated this case and has approved the
recommendation of this settlement. Funds in the amount of $75,000 are available from the Self -
Insurance and Insurance Trust Fund, Index Code No. 515001.624401.6.653.
W 1091:rci:CCM
Attachment(s)
c: Joe Arriola, City Manager
Elvi G. Alonso, Agenda Coordinator