HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-2013-113 Marina Barajas Lawsuit SettlementRESOLUTION NO. R- 2013 -113
A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager of the City of Yakima to consent to a
settlement entered into by CIAW and Munich Reinsurance to resolve and
settle the lawsuit brought by the Personal Representative of the Estate of
Marina Barajas.
WHEREAS, on November 28, 2011, a lawsuit was filed in Yakima County Superior
Court No. 11 -2- 04214 -5 entitled Sergio Valencia, Administrator and Personal Representative of
the Estate of Marina Barajas, and Maria Valencia, Mother of Marina Barajas v. the City of
Yakima, and Shaun Kollman; and
WHEREAS, through a mediation, a settlement was reached by Cities Insurance
Association of Washington ( "CIAW ") and Munich Reinsurance that will resolve and conclude all
claims in the matter regarding the City of Yakima, subject to the authorization of the Yakima
City Council for the City Manager to consent to the settlement; and
WHEREAS, in the settlement agreement, liability for all such claims is denied by the
entities being released; and
WHEREAS, the entire amount of the settlement is to be paid by CIAW and reinsurer
Munich Reinsurance, and the City of Yakima is paying no money toward settlement of the
case; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Yakima deems it to be in the interest of the
City to authorize the City Manager to consent to a settlement entered into by CIAW and Munich
Reinsurance with the plaintiffs to resolve and conclude the lawsuit; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YAKIMA:
The City Manager of the City of Yakima is authorized to consent to the settlement
entered into by CIAW and Munich Reinsurance to resolve and settle the lawsuit brought by the
Personal Representative of the Estate of and the Mother of Marina Barajas, which settlement
will be paid by CIAW and Munich Reinsurance.
ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this 20th day of August, 2013.
ATTEST.
City Clerk
.' lV�wor
dr
Micah Cawley,(Mayor
SETTLEMENT AND FULL RELEASE
WHEREAS, SERGIO VALENCIA, Administrator and Personal Representative of the
Estate of Marina Barajas, and MARIA VALENCIA, Mother of Marina Barajas (hereafter referred
to as Plaintiffs) brought claims against the CITY OF YAKIMA (hereafter referred to as Settling
Defendant) in the matter filed in the Superior Court of the State of Washington for Yakima County,
Cause No. 11 -2- 04214 -5; and
WHEREAS, Settling Defendant appeared through counsel of record; and
WHEREAS, Plaintiffs asserted monetary damages, personal injuries, and general damages
in the above - referenced action arising out of the incident described in plaintiffs' Complaint For
Damages For Wrongful Death, Survival and Injury and Death of Child filed in the Superior Court of
the State of Washington for Yakima County, Cause No. 11 -2- 04214 -5; and
WHEREAS, Settling Defendant vigorously denies that it did anything wrong or caused the
damages claimed, and that by entering into this agreement does not concede it has any liability, and
specifically denies any liability whatsoever for Plaintiffs' claims; and
WHEREAS, Plaintiffs have authority to enter into this Settlement and Full Release with
regard to all special damages, monetary damages, general damages, and all personal injuries or torts
claimed, known or unknown, that' can be claimed by them and/or the Estate of Marina Barajas and
any and all existing subrogated interest - holders, all lienholders, including all liens of any insurer,
and all medical care providers of any kind; and
WHEREAS; the identified parties to this agreement desire to avoid the expense, burden and
uncertainty of continued litigation;
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY agreed as follows:
1. In consideration of the total payment to Plaintiffs by the City of Yakima's insurers,
Page 1 of 6
10024.185132202
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I �
Cities Insurance of Washington ("CLAW") and Munich Reinsurance, in the amount of Four
Hundred Thousand Dollars ($400,000.00), it is agreed that plaintiffs' claims, in their entirety, as
asserted against CITY OF YAKIMA in Plaintiffs' Complaint For Damages For Wrongful Death,
Survival and Injury and Death o If. Child filed in the Superior Court of the State of Washington for
Yakima County, Cause No. 11 -2- 04214 -5 shall be dismissed with prejudice and released without
any further cost to any party. Payment by Settling Defendant shall be made to "MacDonald Hoague
& Bayless In Trust for SERGIO VALENCIA, Administrator and Personal Representative of the
Estate of Marina Baraj as, and MARIA VALENCIA" no later than August 30, 2013. Payment shall
be held in trust pending approval of the Probate Court of this Settlement and Full Release and
disbursement of the settlement funds.
2. Plaintiffs, their successors, assigns, representatives, agents, employees, attorneys,
children, heirs, spouses, beneficiaries, insurers and any person or persons acting by, through or for
them, hereby release, acquit and forever discharge Settling Defendant and any of its successors,
assigns, former, present or future officials, officers, directors, representatives, agents, employees,
attorneys, insurers, the Yakima Police Department, Cities Insurance Authority of Washington
("CIAW "), Munich Reinsurance,I and any person or persons acting by, for or through it, from all
liability, actual or potential, for all claims, damages or demands whatsoever in law or in equity
which Plaintiffs have ever had, may have, or have claimed, or now claim arising from the
allegations in the Complaint For Damages For Wrongful Death, Survival and Injury and Death of
Child filed in the Superior Court of the State of Washington for Yakima County, Cause No. 11 -2-
04214 -5.
3. This Settlement and Full Release is expressly intended to cover all damages, I �
whether known or unknown, asserted or unasserted, that are claimed or could have been claimed by
Page 2 of 6
10024 101132202
Plaintiffs individually and on behalf of any marital communities and on behalf of the Estate of
Marina Barajas (including, but not limited to, for any and all heirs, survivors, dependents or !�
beneficiaries of Marina Barajas and/or the Estate of Marina Barajas) in the above - referenced action.
The damages may be more severe or different than those known at this time. These damages
include any and all personal injuries, general damages, economic and non - economic losses alleged
by Plaintiffs and/or the Estate of Marina Barajas, and any and all property damage associated with
the Complaint For Damages For Wrongful Death, Survival and Injury and Death of Child filed in
the Superior Court of the State of Washington for Yakima County, Cause No. 11 -2- 04214 -5.
4. This Settlement and Full Release is made and entered into as a free and voluntary act
and has been done only after Plaintiffs consulted with their attorneys, Timothy K. Ford and
Katherine C. Chamberlain.
5. This Settlement and Full Release, and the Mediated Settlement Agreement signed on
August 5, 2013, contains the entire agreement between the parties, and the terms of this Release are
contractual and not a mere recital.
6. Sergio Valencia, ( Administrator and Personal Representative of the Estate of Marina
Barajas, shall promptly move the Probate Court for approval of this Settlement and Full Release,
which he and his attorneys will recommend.
7. The parties agree that any and all actions necessary to secure dismissal with
prejudice of Plaintiffs' claims in this lawsuit against the CITY OF YAKIMA shall be taken by the
parties and that each party shall bear its own cost and expense incurred in connection with such
claims and the dismissal thereof.
8. Plaintiffs agree to hold Settling Defendant CITY OF YAKIMA and its agents,
employees, attorneys, insurers, or representatives thereof (hereinafter Indemnitees) free and
Page 3 of 6
10024. gh132202
harmless from any and all claims relating to Plaintiffs' alleged injuries and damages that have been
or may be asserted for tortfeasor 'medical liens, liens of any branch of the government, liens of any
and all of Plaintiffs' and/or Marina Barajas' insurers, liens of any insurers who may be responsible
for payment of Plaintiffs' and/or Marina Barajas' medical bills, liens for lost income, liens of any
and all of Plaintiffs' attorneys, and liens for any and all claims for doctors, hospitals, or other
medical bills, lost wages or any other service (including non - medical service) rendered to Plaintiffs
and/or Marina Barajas arising out of the matters alleged in the Complaint For Damages For
Wrongful Death, Survival and Injury and Death of Child filed in the Superior Court of the State of
Washington for Yakima County, Cause No. 11 -2- 04214 -5, whether such claims be based on ff
contract, tort or any other theory of law. Plaintiffs are responsible for satisfying all liens and
outstanding subrogation claims.
9. Plaintiffs also agree to pay Indemnitees any costs or attorneys' fees incurred to
establish an Indemnitees' right of indemnity as set forth herein, including any costs or fees which
may be incurred arising out of any lien with regard to Plaintiffs' and/or Marina Barajas' injuries or
any prior attorneys retained by Plaintiffs as related to the incident described in plaintiff's Complaint
referenced above. If the Settling Defendant is contacted by a lien holder or subrogation claimant,
Settling Defendant will promptly provide written notice to Plaintiff and Plaintiff's counsel to avoid
incurring unnecessary fees or costs.
10. It is specifically understood and agreed that this Settlement and Full Release is the
compromise of a disputed claim and that the payment made herein is not to be construed as an
admission of liability on the part of the CITY OF YAKIMA and/or its employees, and that the
CITY OF YAKIMA denies liability therefor. This Settlement and Full Release is not intended to be
admissible against any party or anyone else as an admission of any liability and/or fault in any
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10029.1 gh132202
matter. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, this Settlement and Full Release, if
otherwise admissible, may be introduced into evidence at any proceeding between or among the
parties to enforce its terms.
10. Undersigned counsel for plaintiffs will see to the proper siishursement of all funds.
DATED this b day of C , 2013. Z
..� t
Pp, q (name), l o )
ITY OF YA IMA
STATE OF WASHINGTON)
. ss.
COUNTY OF /444 - )
2013, befo me, a Notary Public,
On this 0 71-- day of /,�,,t 1y
personally appeared jAt�a� 4 6 me known to be the individual described herein, and
who executed the foregoing instillment and to me acknowledged that he voluntarily executed the
same.
oitttt /l '!!!
`, ��� L ST EN /i,�
MY Comm. Explores : : NOT ' Y PUBLIC to and or the S . te f
N ; March 21, 20114 :Es . Was ' gton, residing at /' /V e em .1i' w•
p, C, ��� My Commission Expire ,2M
CITY CONTRACT NO:.— . _ . _'^
RESOLUTION NOS ..__ _..
Page5of6
10024.1 gh132202
Re19,'0 (fa( e,t Ll
STATE OF WASHINGTON) � \Jcij ert_t +G
ss.
COUNTY OF )
In thisa day of AUtql,k,SA- , 2013, before me, a Notary Public,
personally appeared SERGIO VALENCIA to /me known to be the individual descri . _ herein, and
who executed the foregoing instrument and to me ackno • - a ged that he volunt. , ly executed the
same.
5P V . LUQ •
/
� \ �tA� API /
F cp
° NOTARY NO A ° Y 'UBL in aria o the State of
PUBLIC W. shington, res: ding at / 'iiC&-
%, .()c 2 �y Commissi s Exp 'es: _ ‘' �' ' :�� �1'. 1 k-t
27 , Cj
OF WASNw
MARIA VALENCIA, Mother of Marina Barajas
STATE OF WASHINGTON )
: ss.
COUNTY OF A ,1 ; , • .V� )
en this day of \.)1/4-SV , 2013, before me, a Notary Public,
personally appeared a eared MARIA VALENCIA to ride known to • the individual d •cribed herein, and
who executed the nxego'ng instrument and to me ac' o led_ed that she vo in executed the
same. P �1. LU
5$\ E Xp /
I II ,
° NOTARY
pUgLI • A" Y"1 B C m .4 .F. Ale State of
' FC. 27 , 2� ' ashington, re • ding .t ft I + I
` �� y Commissi• E sire ) !' ; V ,
OF WASH
The undersigned counsel of record for plaintiffs will see to the proper disbursement of
funds.
•
By
TIi OTHY • . F•• U WSBA #5986
THERINE C. CHAMBERLAIN, WSBA #40014
A orney for Plaintiffs
Page 6 of 6
10024.1 gh132202
ACUERDO Y LIEERACION TOTAL
CONSIDERANDO, SERGIO VALENCIA, administrador y representante personal del
I
patrimonio hereditario de Marina. Barajas y MARIA VALENCIA, Madre de Marina Barajas (en
adelante, los Demandantes) interpuso demanda en contra de la CIUDAD DE YAKIMA (en to
sucesivo Demandado) en el asunto presentado en la Corte Superior del Estado de Washington para
el Condado de Yakima, Causa NO. 11- 2- 04214 -5; y
CONSIDERANDO, que el Demandado comparecio a traves de su abogado registrado en
autos, y
CONSIDERANDO, los Demandantes alegaron dafios monetarios, lesiones personales, y
dafios generales en la accion antes mencionada surgiendo del incidente descrito en la demanda de
los Demandantes sobre la Reclamacion de Indemnizacion por Muerte por Negligencia,
Supervivencia y Lesiones y Muerte de un Menor presentada en la Corte Superior del Estado de
Washington para el Condado de iYakima, Causa No. 11 -2- 04214 -5; y
CONSIDERANDO, que el Demandado vigorosamente niega haber hecho algun mal o
causado los dafios reclamados, y que mediante la celebracion de este acuerdo no concede el
reconocimiento de responsabilidad alguna, y niega especificamente cualquier responsabilidad por
las reclamaciones de los Demandantes; y
CONSIDERANDO, que los Demandantes tienen toda la autoridad para celebrar el presente
Acuerdo y Liberacion Total en lo que respecta a todos los dafios especiales, dafios monetarios,
dafios generales, y todas las lesiones personales o agravios reclamados, conocidos o desconocidos,
que pueden ser alegados por ellos y/o por la sucesion y patrimonio hereditario de Marina Barajas y
por cualquier y todos los titulares de intereses existentes subrogados, todos los acreedores
1
prendarios, incluyendo todos los 1 gravamens de cualquier aseguradora, y todos los proveedores de
servicios de atencion medica profesionales de cualquier tipo, y
CONSIDERANDO, que las partes identificadas en el presente acuerdo tienen el deseo de
evitar el gasto, la carga y la incerl idumbre de un litigio prolongado;
AHORA, POR LO TANTO, POR MEDIO DE LA PRESENTE se acuerda lo siguiente:
1. En contraprestacion por el pago total a los Demandantes por parte de las
aseguradoras de la Ciudad de I Yakima, Cities Insurance of Washington ( "CIAW ") y Munich
Reinsurance, por la cantidad de Cuatrocientos Mil Mares ($400,000.00), se acuerda que las
reclamaciones de los demandantes, en su totalidad, alegados en contra de la CIUDAD DE
YAKIMA en la Reclamacion Ide Indemnizacion por Muerte por Negligencia, Supervivencia y
Lesiones y Muerte de un Menor presentada por los Demandantes en la Corte Superior del Estado de
Washington para el Condado de Yakima, Causa No. 11 -2- 04214 -5 sea desechada con prejuicio y
liberada sin ningun costo adiciorxal para cualquiera de las partes. El pago por parte del Demandado
debera hacerse a "MacDonald Hoague y Bayless en fideicomiso para SERGIO VALENCIA,
administrador y representante p del patrimonio hereditario de Marina Barajas, y MARIA
VALENCIA" a mas tardar el dia 30 de agosto del 2013. El pago se mantiene en deposito fiduciario
en espera de la aprobacion por parte de la Corte de Sucesiones respecto del presente Acuerdo y
Liberacion Total y el desembolso de los fondos en deposito fiduciario.
2. Los Demandantes, sus sucesores, cesionarios, representantes, agentes, empleados,
abogados, hijos, herederos, conyuges, beneficiarios, aseguradoras y cualquier persona o personas
actuando por, por medio de o para ellos, por medio de la presente liberan, absuelven y por siempre
eximen al Demandado y a cualquiera de sus sucesores, cesionarios, pasados, presentes o futuros
funcionarios, oficiales, directores, representantes, agentes, empleados, abogados, aseguradoras, el
2
` I
Departamento de Policia de Yakima, Cities Insurance Authority of Washington ( "CIAW ") y
Munich Reinsurance, y cualquier persona o personas actuando por, para o a taves de esta, de toda
responsabilidad, real o potencial,l de cualquier reclamo, dafos o demandas de cualquier tipo legal o
en equidad que los Demandantes hayan tenido, puedan tener o hayan reclamado, o ahora reclamen
derivadas de las alegaciones presentadas en la Reclamacion de Indemnizacion por Muerte por
Negligencia, Supervivencia y Lesions y Muerte de un Menor presentada en la Corte Superior del
Estado de Washington para el Condado de Yakima, Causa No. 11 -2- 04214 -5.
3. El presente Acuei-do y Liberaci6n Total esta expresamente intencionado para cubrir
todos los dabs, ya sean conocidos o desconocidos, alegados o no alegados, que se hayan reclamado
o que pudieron ser reclamados por los Demandantes, de manera individual y en nombre de
cualquier comunidades matrimoiiiales y en nombre de la Sucesion de Marina Barajas (incluyendo,
pero no limitado a, cualquier y todos los herederos, sobrevivientes, dependientes o beneficiarios de
Marina Barajas y/o la Sucesi6n de Marina Barajas) en la accion antes mencionada. Los danos
p i
pueden ser mas graves o difererites de los que se conocen en este momento. Estos dafios incluyen
cualquiera y todos los danos personales, danos generales, perdidas economicas y no economicas
alegadas por los Demandantes Y/o la Sucesi6n de Marina Barajas, y cualquier y todos los dafios
materiales asociados con la Denianda de Indemnizacion por Muerte por Negligencia, Supervivencia
y Lesiones y la Muerte de un Menor presentada en la Corte Superior del Estado de Washington para
el Condado de Yakima, Causa No. 11 -2- 04214 -5.
4. El presente Acuerdo y Liberacion Total se hace y se celebra como un acto libre y
voluntario y se ha realizado uriicamente despues de que los Demandantes consultaron con sus
abogados, Timothy K. Ford y Katherine C. Chamberlain.
3
5. El presente Acuerdo y Liberacion Total, y el Acuerdo en Mediacion firmado el 5 de
agosto del 2013, contiene el auerdo completo entre las partes y los terminos contenidos este
documento de Liberacion son contractuales y no meramente declarativos.
6. Sergio Valencia, Administrador y Representante Personal del patrimonio hereditario
de Marina Barajas, debera promover inmediatamente ante el Tribunal Sucesorio la pronta
aprobacion de este Acuerdo y Lil7eracion Total, el cual el y sus abogados lo recomendaran.
7. Las partes acuerdan que todas las acciones necesarias para asegurar el desistimiento
defuutivo con prejuicio de los reclamos de los Demandantes en la demanda en contra la CIUDAD
DE YAKEVIA seran adoptadas por las partes y que cada parte pagara sus propios costos y gastos
incurridos en relacion con dichos' reclamos y el desistimiento de los mismos.
8. Los Demandante) aceptan mantener al Demandado CIUDAD DE YAKIMA y sus
agentes, empleados, abogados, aseguradoras, o representantes de los mismos (en adelante
indemnizadores) libre y sin perjuicio alguno de cualquier y todo reclamo relacionado a los
Demandantes por supuestas lesions y daiios de que hayan sido o puedan hacerse valer respecto de
embargos por gravamens medicos, gravamens de cualquier rama del gobiemo, embargos por
parte y arte de todas cada uno de los Demandante s y/o las aseguradoras de Marina Barajas, gravamens
de las aseguradoras que puedan ser responsables del pago de los Demandantes y/o los gastos
medicos de Marina Barajas, gravamens por perdida de ingresos, embargos de todos y cada una de
los abogados de los Demandantes y gravamens de todos y de cualquier reclamo de los medicos,
hospitales, u otros gastos medicos, perdida de salarios o cualquier otro servicio (incluyendo
servicios no medicos) prestados la los Demandantes y/o a Marina Barajas surgiendo de los asuntos
alegados en la Reclamacion de Indemnizacion por Muerte por Negligencia, Supervivencia y
Lesiones y Muerte de un Menor en la Corte Superior del Estado de Washington para el
4
Condado de Yakima, Causa No. I jl 1 -2- 04214 -5, sean que tales afirmaciones se basen en un contrato,
agravio o cualquier otra teoria de la ley. Los Demandantes son responsables de satisfacer todas las
cargas y reclamaciones subrogadas pendientes.
9. Los Demandantes asi mismo acuerdan el pagar a los indemnizadores los costos u
honorarios de abogados que se incurrieron para establecer el derecho a la indemnizacion por parte
de los indemnizadores segiin lo establecido en este documento, incluyendo los costos o honorarios
que puedan surgir derivados de cualquier derecho de retencion en relacion con los Demandantes y/o
lesiones a Marina Barajas o de los abogados anteriormente contratados por los Demandantes en
relacion con el incidente descrito en la reclamacion del los Demandantes a la cual se hace referencia
anteriormente. Si el Demandado es contactado por una persona poseedora de un derecho de
retencion o por un reclamante en subrogacion, el Demandado proporcionara sin demora alguna una
notificacion por escrito a los Demandantes y sus abogados para evitar incurrir en gastos o costos
innecesarios.
10. Se entiende especificamente y se convino en que este Acuerdo y Liberacion Total es
el compromiso de una reclamaci.on en disputa y que el pago realizado en este documento no debe
ser interpretado como una admision de responsabilidad por parte de la CIUDAD DE YAKIMA y/o
sus empleados, y que la CIUDAD DE YAKIMA en consecuencia niega responsabilidad alguna. El
presente Acuerdo y Liberacion Total no pretende ser admisible en contra de cualquiera de las partes
o cualquier otra persona como una admision de responsabilidad y/o faith, en cualquier asunto. No
obstante la frase inmediata anti rior, este Acuerdo -y Liberacion Total, si es de alguna manera
admitido, se puede introducir como prueba en cualquier procedimiento entre las partes para hacer
cumplir sus terminos.
5
10. El abogado de los Demandantes, abajo firmante, se encargara del desembolso
adecuado de los fondos.
Fechado el dia de de 2013.
(Nombre) (titulo)
CIUDAD DE YAKIMA
ESTADO DE WASHINGTON )
: SS.
CONDADO DE
En esta dia de de 2013, ante mi, Notario Puublic°,
comparecio personalmente quien para mi es sabido que es la persona descrita
en este documento, y quien ejecut° el instrumento anterior y quien reconocio ante mi que 61 firm°
voluntariamente el mismo.
Notario Public° en y para el Estado de
Washington, con domicilio en
Mi comision expira:
6
. s
E -
SERGIO VALENCIA, Administrador y
Representante Personal del Patrimonio Hereditario de
Marina Barajas
ESTADO DE WASHINGTON )
'' : SS.
CONDADO DE . , / )
En esta dia ,� de 0 C 5 d- 2013, ante mi, No .1 o Publico,
comparecio personalmente . '
_ ► l 'quie para " es sal)' • que - 1. • ers • a descrita
en este documento, y quien ejecu : el instrumento dor quien ec'ene a •' que el firm()
voluntariamente el mismo. Airi' Ar
(c LU No io ub ico en para - Est: io de
sc. p 'ashington, con • omic io en A
■ i comision exp, ra: 1 • . ■ 410 / 0 1L4
o NpCPRG
PuB z
o�
o� 43 N9 �ccC. 27 \��' .
OF WPS�
H ( o4? M,
MARIA VALENCIA, Madre de Marina Barajas
ESTADO DE WASHINGTON )
:SS.
CONDADO DE _(Y )
En esta dia R, de , S de 2013, ante , i, Notario Publico,
comparecio personalmente A y \ ex . \J k quie • ar. mi es s bide a , es a persona descrita
en este documento, y quien ej ecuto el instrument e . rior y. quie % c • 4,; � .■ to mi que el firma
voluntariamente el mis . � I
gy p. v.
LUG Ad 1
Al '
v \ ��55 EXpi, Ns' ,,, No a r 1ico en , p. a el Estado . e,
o RY Wa shington, con d m' ilia en G 1 ,
pvB `�C i comision expira: DQ,0QX1(k 9-1 } Li
'` AFC. 2- l-' 0 �
F OF WPST
1 7
El abajo firmante registrado abogado de los Demandantes vera al adecuado desembolso de los
fondos. /
Por:
TI • " EO . FORD, WSBA # 5986
HERINE C. Chamberlain, WSBA # 40014
Abogados de los Demandantes
8
BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No. 6-M
For Meeting of: 8/20/2013
ITEM TITLE: Resolution authorizing consent to a settlement entered into
by CIAW and Munich Reinsurance to resolve and settle the
lawsuit brought by the Personal Representative of the Estate
of Marina Barajas.
SUBMITTED BY: Jeffrey R. Cutter, City Attorney
Helen A. Harvey, Senior Assistant City Attorney
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
This matter is on for consideration of a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to consent to a
settlement entered into by Cities. Insurance Association of Washington ( "CIAW ") and reinsurer
Munich Reinsurance to resolve and settle the lawsuit filed by the Personal Representative of the
Estate of and the Mother of Marina Barajas in Yakima County Superior Court Case No. 11 -2-
04214-5 entitled Sergio Valencia, Administrator and Personal Representative of the Estate of
Marina Barajas, and Maria Valencia, Mother of Marina Barajas v. the City of Yakima, and Shaun
Kollman, which will settle all claims by the plaintiffs in this case.
The claim against the City of Yakima was settled by CIAW and Munich Reinsurance through
mediation with mediator David A. Thorner of Thorner, Kennedy & Gano P.S. in Yakima, subject
to the presentation of the settlement before the Yakima City Council. The amount of the
settlement is $400,000, which entire amount is to be paid by CIAW and reinsurer Munich
Reinsurance. The City of Yakima is paying no money toward settlement of the case.
Attached is a copy of Settlement and Release which has been agreed to by plaintiffs' attorney
and which will be signed by plaintiffs. In the settlement agreement, liability for the claims is
denied by the City and the entities being released.
The background of the lawsuit is as follows: The damage claim filed by the plaintiffs on
September 14, 2011 alleged in excess of $7,600,000 in damages, and plaintiffs' lawsuit was
filed against the City of Yakima and codefendant Shaun Kollman on November 28, 2011. The
case is set for trial in February 2014. The plaintiffs also filed a separate lawsuit which is pending
in Thurston County Superior Court Case No. 13 -2- 01109 -1 on May 21, 2013 against the State
of Washington involving allegations against the Washington Department of Corrections.
The claim arose from a police pursuit of Shaun Kollman on June 20, 2010, in which a vehicle
driven by Shaun Kollman collided with a vehicle in which Marina Barajas was a passenger at
the intersection of North 16th Avenue and Englewood Avenue in Yakima. Marina Barajas and
Pasqual Ayala, the driver of the vehicle that Ms. Barajas was in, died as a result of the collision
involving the vehicle driven by Shaun Kollman. The Estate of Pasqual Ayala, represented by a
different attorney, has filed a separate lawsuit in Case No. 11 -2- 02009 -5, which was not part of
the mediation and is pending.
Shaun Kollman, the driver of the stolen vehicle, pled guilty to eleven criminal counts. In the
Felony Judgment and Sentence in the criminal case of State of Washington v. Shaun
Christopher Kollman, Yakima County Superior Court Case No. 10 -1- 01028 -4, Shaun Kollman
was sentenced by a Judge to a total term of confinement of 617 months, which equates to
approximately 51.4 years.
Resolution: X
Other (Specify):
Contract:
Start Date:
Item Budgeted: NA
Funding Source /Fiscal
Impact:
Strategic Priority:
Insurance Required? No
Mail to:
Phone:
APPROVED FOR
SUBMITTAL:
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution.
Ordinance:
Contract Term:
End Date:
Amount:
Public Trust and Accountability
City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
Nerve: Description:
❑ Resolution in Valencia v. City, et al. 8- 20- 2013.docx Resolution
❑ Settlement and Full Release in Valencia v. City, et al.pdf Settlement Agreement