Deltona approves $100,000 settlement for 2022 injury at Dewey Foster Sports Complex
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Summary
The City Commission approved a $100,000 settlement to resolve claims by the legal guardian of a minor injured at the Dewey Foster Sports Complex in 2022; the city’s deductible is $1,000 and staff said safety improvements and additional signage were implemented.
The Deltona City Commission approved Resolution No. 2020-550 to settle claims arising from a 2022 injury at the Dewey Foster Sports Complex. The city’s insurer agreed to a $100,000 payment; the city’s out‑of‑pocket deductible is $1,000.
City attorneys said the case was mediated with the carrier and that settlement avoided substantial additional legal fees and the uncertainty of a trial. The city attorney explained the carrier often evaluates the total cost of legal fees and exposure and determined a settlement was the prudent outcome; mediation lasted several hours before the parties agreed to the figure.
Staff reported the safety issue that led to the claim had been corrected and described additional steps, including adding Spanish‑language safety signage, to reduce the risk of future incidents. Commissioners voted 7‑0 to approve the settlement. The motion to approve the settlement was made by Vice Mayor Herriot and seconded by Commissioner Lully.
A brief public comment period included an attendee who asked for a vote; no additional public speakers urged reversal. City staff characterized the settlement as fiscally prudent compared with continued litigation given potential legal fees and trial risk.