Orange County supervisors announce four closed-session settlement actions, including $750,000 payout in forklift injury case

The Orange County Board of Supervisors announced during a closed-session report that it approved four settlement-related actions, including a proposed $750,000 settlement in the case of Renee Fragoso v. County of Orange.

The approvals were taken under Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1) and (d)(2) and are subject to any required final approvals before payment or finalization.

The largest item, listed on the agenda as SCS 2, approves a proposed $750,000 settlement for Renee Fragoso. The report says Fragoso, described as a truck driver, suffered injuries when a metal ramp was dropped on the plaintiff’s foot while picking up a load behind the Registrar of Voters office. The ramp was dropped by a forklift driver identified as an extra-help employee; Fragoso sustained broken bones that required surgical intervention. The board approved the proposed settlement on a vote of 4 to 0, with Supervisor Foley absent; the report states Foley informed staff she approved the settlement despite her absence. The settlement remains subject to final approval and, when finalized, copies will be made available through the county’s Office of County Risk Management to anyone who inquires.

On SCS 3 the board approved a proposed $100,000 settlement for Roberto Puga and Liberata Puga. The report says the claim arose from a motor-vehicle collision on State Route 22 in Garden Grove involving an on‑duty Orange County District Attorney investigator; the Pugas claimed personal injuries and property damage. The board approved the proposed settlement on a vote of 4 to 0, with Supervisor Foley absent. That settlement likewise remains subject to final approval and will be available through the Office of County Risk Management once finalized.

On SCS 4 the board approved a proposed $145,000 settlement in Beatrice Mendoza v. County of Orange. The report says Mendoza is a former county employee who alleged discrimination and retaliation related to her at‑will discharge. The board approved that proposed settlement on a vote of 3 to 0, with Chairman Chaffee recorded as abstaining and Supervisor Foley absent. As with the other matters, the settlement is subject to any further required approvals and will be available through the Office of County Risk Management once finalized.

On SCS 5 the board delegated limited settlement authority to county counsel and to outside counsel Shepherd Mullen to settle and resolve the pending case Rebecca Garcia v. County of Orange. That delegation was approved on a vote of 4 to 0, with Supervisor Foley absent; the report notes Foley informed staff she approved the direction given to counsel. The board’s report stated no other reportable action was taken in closed session.

The board’s closed-session report identified Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1) and (d)(2) as the authority for the closed-session deliberations. The county said finalized settlement documents will be available through the Office of County Risk Management upon completion.

The board adjourned and noted its next scheduled regular meeting is May 6, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.