L.A. settles cyclist’s case for $3 million

Man suffered brain damage after being struck by car in San Fernando Valley.

Los Angeles will pay $3 million to a rabbi who suffered permanent brain injuries after he was struck by a car in the San Fernando Valley.

Shelaim Furst was riding his bike along Victory Boulevard, a posted bike route, on Aug. 25, 2010. Just east of the 405 Freeway, Furst was struck from behind by a car driven by Antoine Shehata, who was trying to change lanes and get onto the freeway, according to court papers.

Furst hit the car’s windshield and was thrown 27 feet into the street. He suffered a brain injury and memory loss, according to his lawsuit.

An attorney for Furst alleged the city allowed Victory Boulevard to fall into “dilapidated” conditions and created a false sense of security by posting bike route signs.

The City Council approved the settlement Wednesday without discussion.

In another case, the City Council voted 11 to 0 to pay $500,000 to the family of a 16year-old soccer player who collapsed during a game and died after it took paramedics nearly 20 minutes to reach him.

Jesus Zambrano was playing at Wilmington Middle School on Dec. 16, 2012, when “he began feeling ill, had trouble breathing, and subsequently collapsed,” according to a lawsuit filed by his parents.

Witnesses called 911 and told a dispatcher that paramedics were needed at the school’s soccer field. However, without an exact address, the dispatcher said he was unable to send help. Eventually an ambulance was dispatched to the wrong address, according to court papers. It took paramedics nearly 20 minutes to reach the teen, according to the family’s lawsuit.

The Los Angeles Fire Department conducted an internal investigation and found the dispatcher did not violate any policies or procedures. Since then, the LAFD has changed its dispatch system to include addresses for all schools within the city, a department spokesman said.