title
Stephen P. Staal, MD v. City of Gainesville; Case No. 2017-CA-3456; Eighth Judicial Circuit, in and for Alachua County, Florida. (NB)
recommendation
The City Commission 1) approve the terms of the negotiated settlement agreement; and 2) authorize the City Attorney to settle the claim of Stephen P. Staal, MD, arising from an accident that occurred on or about September 22, 2016.
explanation
On September 22, 2016, at approximately 5:10 PM a City-owned RTS bus was traveling its scheduled route northbound on SW 12th Street approaching SW 2nd Avenue. The intersection of SW 12th Street and SW 2nd Avenue was controlled by a round-about. SW 12th Avenue was previously designated as a "bicycle boulevard" and had all of the associated street markings and signage. The driver of the City bus stopped and checked her mirrors and surroundings at the round-about before she initiated a right hand turn into the round-about to proceed eastbound onto SW 2nd Avenue. After yielding to other vehicles, the driver of the City bus proceeded to turn right. At the same time, Dr. Stephen Staal was also proceeding northbound on SW 12th Street approaching the roundabout intersection with SW 2nd Avenue. Dr. Staal was riding a bicycle, commuting home from his office on the University of Florida campus. He was wearing a bicycle helmet with reflectors and a bright yellow safety vest. Dr. Staal caught up with the bus from behind, and attempted to enter the roundabout alongside the bus. The bicycle made contact with the right rear side of the bus, and Dr. Staal's foot was pinned between the bus wheel and the curb. His ankle and tibia were crushed, leading to an amputation of his left leg below the knee.
Dr. Staal's injuries were traumatic and extreme. He has endured multiple surgeries, and a 10-day hospital stay. The medical bills and out of pocket expenses exceed $360,000. He is a practicing oncologist with UF Health, and was out of work for approximately 4 months. If this ...
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