How much has Albuquerque paid in litigation settlements in the first quarter of the fiscal year?

Like most municipalities its size, the city of Albuquerque is subject to plenty of litigation. On Wednesday at the regular City Council meeting, city councilors will get an update on settlements paid out for the first quarter of the fiscal year, July to September 2023.

Here’s a look at how much the city has paid out and why, based on the city report:

City settlements over $10,000

The city paid $3 million in settlements greater than $10,000 in the first quarter of the fiscal year.

$100,000. The city paid $100,000 after a plaintiff alleged personal injury, violations of the state constitution — more specifically violation of equal rights and equal protection based on status as a victim of sexual assault — and damages pursuant to an Inspection of Public Records Act request.

$750,000. An estate asserted claims for damages for alleged civil rights and state tort violations.

$20,000. The plaintiff asserted negligence claims against the Albuquerque Police Department in its investigation of an alleged sexual assault.

$700,000. Plaintiffs alleged wrongful death damages from an officer involved shooting.

$65,000. Plaintiffs alleged damages pursuant to an Inspection of Public Records Act request.

$33,800. Plaintiffs alleged damages pursuant to an Inspection of Public Records Act request.

$35,000. Plaintiff alleged personal injuries and damages after a motorcycle accident.

$20,000. Plaintiff alleged personal injuries after a car accident involving a solid waste vehicle.

$675,000. Plaintiffs alleged personal injury and damages after a motor vehicle accident.

$46,000. Plaintiff alleged damages and personal injury after a motor vehicle accident involving a solid waste vehicle.

$17,500. Plaintiffs alleged damages pursuant to an Inspection of Public Records Act request.

$74,000. Plaintiffs alleged damages after a car crash involving an Albuquerque police officer.

$10,000. Plaintiff alleged damages pursuant to an Inspection of Public Records Act request.

$25,000. Plaintiff alleged personal injuries after falling in a hole at a city park.

$15,000. Plaintiff alleged personal injuries and property damage following an alleged high-speed purist involving Albuquerque police and New Mexico State Police.

$120,000. Plaintiff alleged damages for deprivation of rights following the execution of a search warrant.

$20,000. Plaintiff alleged damages pursuant to an Inspection of Public Records Act request.

$30,000. Plaintiff alleged personal injury after a piece of equipment fell on her at a public pool.

$37,500. Plaintiff alleged damages and personal injury following an incident on a city bus.

$65,000. Plaintiffs alleged personal injuries of themselves and minor children following a vehicle accident involving a Solid Waste Department vehicle.

$26,000. Plaintiffs alleged damages pursuant to an Inspection of Public Records Act request.

$90,000. Plaintiff alleged damages pursuant to an Inspection of Public Records Act request.

$30,000. Plaintiff alleged a violation of the New Mexico Human Rights Act and discrimination based on serious medical condition and physical handicap.

$39,975. Plaintiff alleged damages pursuant to the Inspection of Public Records Act and an issue with land use.

$25,000. Plaintiff alleged injury after falling off her bike on the sidewalk.

$10,000. Plaintiff alleged personal injuries following a trip and fall at a city park.

City settlements under $10,000

The city paid $27,613 in settlements under $10,000 from July through September 2023. Most of the settlements were related to requests for public records.

$2,300. The city paid $2,300 to settle a claim of personal injuries following a car accident that happened when a stop sign was allegedly obscured by foliage.

$1,500. The plaintiff alleged damages pursuant to an Inspection of Public Records Act request.

$8,000. The plaintiff alleged damages and personal injuries after a vehicle accident involving a police department employee.

$7,500. The plaintiff alleged damages pursuant to an Inspection of Public Records Act request.

$1,000. The plaintiff alleged damages pursuant to an Inspection of Public Records Act request.

$7,313. The plaintiff alleged damages pursuant to an Inspection of Public Records Act request.

City victories

The city can claim victory in three lawsuits, according to the city legal department’s quarterly litigation report.

• A plaintiff who is legally blind alleged personal injury after stepping on an uncovered water meter. The matter was settled by the responsible party and the city did not have to pay settlement proceeds.
• A plaintiff alleged personal injuries following an arrest by Albuquerque police. There was a voluntary dismissal by the plaintiff.
• A plaintiff alleged damages following the death of an animal adopted from the Animal Welfare Department. The lawsuit was dismissed in favor of the city.