Baltimore City Board of Estimates weighs $345,000 settlement with Elijah Gorham’s parents – CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Baltimore City is considering a $345,000 settlement to ward off a possible lawsuit by the family of Elijah Gorham, a Mervo student who died of a head injury sustained during a soccer game last year.

Gorham, a 17-year-old student-athlete at Mergenthal Vocational-Technical High School, died Oct. 11, 2021, about three weeks after collapsing after colliding with another player during Mervo’s Sept. 18 matchup against Dunbar High School .

CONTINUE READING: 33-year-old woman found dead in Essex, murder investigation ongoing

Baltimore City’s appraisal panel is scheduled to vote on the proposed settlement with Gorham’s parents next Wednesday, according to a copy of the board’s April 20 agenda, “to avoid the expense, time and uncertainties of a protracted legal battle.”

CONTINUE READING: Woman killed and man in critical condition in double shooting in Baltimore, police say

The agenda item states that the city and school district have agreed to pay the $345,000 settlement in exchange for a commitment from Gorham’s parents to waive all claims against the mayor, city council and school board.

As part of the settlement, the school district has also agreed to develop and implement a series of health and safety measures for school sports based on feedback from Gorham’s parents. This part of the agreement requires budgetary approval.

MORE NEWS: Entry to all National Park sites is free on Saturday

The City Legal Department recommends that the board vote in favor of the settlement, which has been approved by the Treasury Department, to avoid a potential lawsuit.