Facts

Bankers Standard Insurance Company filed suit against the County of Los Angeles and the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works seeking reimbursement for damages paid to an insured after a vehicle struck a fire hydrant on the Pacific Coast Highway near Broad Beach Road, which caused water to flow onto and damage the insured's property.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff alleged the County negligently failed to shut off the water flowing from the fire hydrant, failed to insure water lines were protected from collisions, and did not ensure the damaged hydrant was equipped with an automatic shut-off valve if struck.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS: Defendants denied the allegations of negligence.

Result

The parties reached a settlement agreement by which defendants agreed to pay $184,000 to settle plaintiff's claims.