title
KENNETH J. KOPROWSKI AND JUDITH A. KOPROWSKI v. CITY OF GAINESVILLE; PRESUIT CLAIM ARISING FROM AN ACCIDENT THAT OCCURRED IN GAINESVILLE, ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA, ON OR ABOUT JULY 5, 2012. (NB)
recommendation
The City Commission: 1) approve the terms of the negotiated settlement; and 2) authorize the City Attorney to settle the claims of Kenneth Koprowski and Judith Koprowski arising from an accident that occurred on or about July 5, 2012.
explanation
On Thursday, July 5, 2012, Kenneth Koprowski was driving his vehicle in Gainesville with his wife, Judith Koprowski, as a passenger. Both of the Koprowskis utilized the seat-belts. They were travelling through Gainesville on their way home to Homosassa, Florida. The Koprowskis' vehicle was stopped at a red light headed southbound on SW 34th Street (SR 121), when they were struck from behind by a large City-owned utility bucket truck with a rig in tow. The Koprowskis were travelling in a 2012 sports utility vehicle that sustained sufficient damages to be a total loss. The impact of the collision caused the supporting braces for the driver's seat to bend and become dislocated.
Emergency vehicles responded to the scene of the accident, and transported Mr. and Ms. Koprowski to the Shands Hospital Emergency Room. Mr. Koprowski suffered considerable injuries, surgery, and inpatient rehabilitation. In total, Mr. Koprowski incurred medical bills in excess of $136,000.00. Ms. Koprowski's medical bills exceeded $13,000.00. Mr. Koprowski also experienced lost wages and ability to earn income. At the time of the accident, he had recently been laid-off from his long-term employment, and was receiving unemployment compensation while actively seeking a new position. His hospitalization and injuries prevented him from seeking employment and adversely affected his ability to qualify for unemployment compensation. Ms. Koprowski experienced a loss of consortium, including marital services and companionship. T...
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