$3 Million OKd to Settle Negligence Suits

The Los Angeles City Council, in the face of overwhelming evidence of liability, approved spending more than $3 million to settle two separate lawsuits brought against the city involving alleged negligence by police and paramedics.

One suit, settled for $1.57 million, stemmed from the serious injury of four teen-agers sitting in the back of a van struck by an ambulance that was believed to be moving faster than 35 m.p.h. and against a red light, in violation of state law and city policy.

The second suit, settled for $1.5 million, was filed on behalf of an upholsterer left paralyzed when he attempted suicide while being held in the Van Nuys jail on misdemeanor traffic warrants. His requests for psychiatric help were unheeded by the jail staff. The council approved both settlements unanimously with no discussion.