The Tacoma City Council recently approved a $2 million settlement agreement in a wrongful-death lawsuit linked to a 2015 police officer-involved car crash. The lawsuit, filed by the decedent Shamarra Scott in 2018 and later continued by her estate, named the city of Tacoma and officer Wade White as defendants.

The Incident and Legal Claims

According to court documents, on October 14, 2015, Shamarra Scott was driving on North 21st Street toward Pearl Street when Officer Wade White exited a strip-mall parking lot and turned left, colliding with Scott's vehicle. Scott's legal team argued that Officer White failed to yield the right-of-way, causing the crash.

Scott, who drove herself to the hospital after the accident, alleged that the collision resulted in significant injuries and ongoing physical pain. Her estate claimed that the accident set off a series of medical complications leading to her paralysis and eventual death in February 2020.

Medical Complications and Disputes

Scott's legal team maintained that the injuries from the crash led to a series of health issues, including a flare-up of sarcoidosis, a rare inflammatory disease she suffered from. The treatment for this condition allegedly weakened her bones, necessitating spinal surgery in December 2018. Unfortunately, Scott developed an infection post-surgery, which severely impacted her muscles and neurological system, leaving her paralyzed from the neck down and dependent on a tracheostomy tube for breathing.

Scott's death certificate cited Guillain-Barre Syndrome as the primary cause of death, with contributing factors such as chronic kidney disease, large left ischium wound, quadriparesis, long-term tracheostomy, sarcoidosis, and seizure disorder.

Defense and Settlement

Defense attorneys disputed the claims, suggesting that Scott's injuries were due to her own negligence or the fault of her medical providers. Despite these defenses, the City Council voted on July 9 to approve the $2 million settlement, allowing the City Attorney's Office to finalize the agreement and resolve the pending claims.

City spokesperson Maria Lee declined to comment on the specific facts of the case or the reasons behind the settlement, citing legal constraints.

Conclusion

The case highlights the complex interplay between initial injuries and subsequent medical complications in wrongful-death lawsuits. While the settlement does not admit fault, it brings a resolution to a lengthy and contentious legal battle.

If you or a loved one has experienced similar negligence, reach out to the experienced attorneys at Bautista LeRoy for a free consultation. For more information about our team and services, please visit www.bautistaleroy.com.