3216798
CITY OF OAKLAND
ONE F R A N K H. O G A W A P L A Z A • 6 TH F L O O R • O A K L A N D , C A L I F O R N I A 94612 Office of the City Attorney
Barbara Parker
City Attorney
FAX:
TDD:
(510) 238-3601
(510) 238-6500
(510) 839-6451
November 1, 2022
HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
Oakland, California
Subject: Tekeste Ghebreslasie v. City of Oakland, Rachelle Louise Stephens and DOES 1 – 20, inclusive
Alameda County Superior Court Case No. RG18929921
City Attorney File No. 32645
(Human Services Agency – Car Accident/Personal Injury)
President Fortunato Bas and Members of the City Council:
Pursuant to Section 401 of the Charter, the City Attorney has prepared and requests your approval of a resolution authorizing compromise and settlement of the above-entitled claim for the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($500,000.00), payable to California Trial Law Group PC on behalf of Tekeste Ghebreslasie.
This action arises out of a three-car rear-end accident that occurred on February 27, 2018.
Plaintiff alleges that City employee Rachelle Stephens rear ended Plaintiff’s car which resulted in (1) a permanent spinal injury that causes ongoing neck and back pain and (2) a traumatic brain injury that resulted in cognitive deficits. Medical professionals continue to treat Plaintiff for back pain, neck pain, and post-concussion syndrome with headaches and fatigue. Plaintiff also alleges these injuries and symptoms prevent Plaintiff from working fulltime which results in lost wages.
The City has determined that settlement in the amount of $ 500,000.00, without admitting liability and to avoid further litigation, is in the best interest of the City.
The Council authorized settlement of this case in Closed Session on Thursday, October 20, 2022 (moved by Councilmember Dan Kalb and seconded by Councilmember Carroll Fife - 8 Ayes).
Respectfully submitted,
BARBARA J. PARKER
City Attorney
Assigned Attorney:
Maria Bee
Outside counsel – Haapala, Thompson & Abern