43 different lawsuits dealing with police brutality, improper towing, workers compensation, city vehicle accidents, and personnel salary issues, were settled on Wednesday for $132,606.
Police brutality
The city settled a police brutality lawsuit stemming from a June 2009 incident when a police officer allegedly assaulted Miguel Enchautegui. Enchautegui sued the city resulting in a $10,000 settlement.
Improperly towed
In 13 other cases, city employees improperly towed vehicles parked on city streets. City officials expended $3,263 to settle the suits. Average settlement for improper towing suits was little over $250 per case.
Workers compensation
Out of the 43 total settlement, 11 suits dealt with worker compensation cases. On April 17, 2011, a city police officer, Todd Pearl, sustained facial laceration, which resulted in a claim that was settled this week for $9,495.
On July 12th, 2010, Juan Santiago, a city public works employee, suffered an injury while on duty injuring his left hand in a slip and fall accident on park Avenue and East 31st Street, according to city records. Santiago’s case as settled for $ 11,687.
In another case from September 14th, 2011, Tom Charlot, a city park care taker, suffered an injury to the right hand while closing a truck door in Eastside Park. Charlot’s claim was settled for $9,047.
On April 4th, 2012, a city firefighter, Tyrome Joyner, suffered injuries to his shoulder neck, and back while working as an emergency medical technician. Joyner’s case was settled for $16,200.
On June 19th, 2012, a city dispatcher, Marybeth Vargas, suffered injuries to her neck, back, right shoulder, and right elbow in a car accident, according to city records. Vargas’s claim was settled for $5,000.
In another case involving a fire department employee, on October 24th, 2012, Arthur Reda, firefighter, suffered pulmonary injuries from “occupational exposure.” Reda’s case was settled for $2,500.
Kerry Rivera, another firefighter, suffered injuries to his right calf while on duty, in July 9th, 2012. Rivera’s case was settled for $6,210. Steve Burn, firefighter, sustained injuries to his shoulder and upper back while lifting a patient into an ambulance on September 11, 2012. Burn’s case was settled for $10,000.
Eladio Lugo, a police officer, suffered injuries to his left hand, left wrist while making an arrest on July 11th, 2013. Lugo’s case was settled for $4,043.
Detricke Wilson, firefighter, suffered frostbites on all fingers while fighting a fire on January 7th. 2014. Wilson’s case was settled for $3,000.
Another firefighter, Edward Leogrande, suffered pulmonary injuries working as a fire fighter since 1989, according to city records.
City settled the 11 workers compensation suits with $82,181.
City vehicle accidents
Eight lawsuits involving city vehicles was settled for $6,015. Half of the suits were over $1,000 while the rest fell below.
Raif Kaba’s vehicle was struck by a city vehicle on February 5th, 2014. Kaba’s claim was settled for $1,422.
Sachagay Bailey’s vehicle was struck by a city vehicle on January 3rd, 2014. Bailey’s claim was settled with $1,061. Angeleta Bailey’s vehicle was struck by a city vehicle on January 3rd, 2014. Bailey’s case was settled for $5,968. Another case over a thousand, was that of Rosa Marte, whose vehicle was struck on January 16th, 2014. Marte’s case was settled for $1,632.
A zoning board of adjustment suit over a personnel salary issue was settled with $31,147. Council members voted and passed the settlements on Wednesday evening.