The City of Sparks has settled its case against an elderly woman after she allegedly was pushed to the ground by a Sparks firefighter in 2022.
Timothy Egan was accused of pushing Maureen Hvegholm, who was feeding stray cats outside the fire station on Victorian Avenue in December 2022.
Hvegholm claimed the firefighter committed negligence and abuse of an older person through his actions.
The City says it has now settled those claims for $1 million and that "We look to move forward and hope this brings closure to everyone involved."
JULY 22, 2024
At the Sparks City Council meeting on Monday, July 22, the City of Sparks voted to reject a $1.2 million settlement to 84-year-old Maureen Hvegholm. The motion passed unanimously.
After the city council meeting on May 28, Hvegholm was presented with a $500,000 counteroffer after originally asking to settle for $2 million.
On Saturday, June 22, she made another offer to settle for $1.2 million.
Original Story, May 28:
The Sparks City Council voted to counter an 84-year-old woman's offer to settle a lawsuit against the city for $2 million after she allegedly was pushed to the ground by a Sparks firefighter.
The Sparks City Council unanimously voted to provide a counteroffer of $500,000 instead of the $2 million she asked to settle for.
At the meeting, two of Maureen Hvegholm's children spoke during public comment, urging the city council to vote to settle the lawsuit.
Timothy Egan, Sparks firefighter, was accused of pushing Maureen Hvegholm, who was feeding stray cats outside the fire station on Victorian Avenue in December 2022.
She says Egan grabbed the cat food and water out of her hands. Court documents state Hvegholm swatted at Egan, but due to her age, was not a threat. Egan then grabbed Hvegholm's shoulders and swept her feet, causing her to land on her head on the concrete.
Hvegholm claimed the firefighter committed negligence and abuse of an older person through his actions.
According to Hvegholm's attorney in a letter on May 3, an amount of $2,718,710.29 would cover her current and future healthcare needs.
On May 7, in a settlement conference, Hvegholm offered to settle the lawsuit for $2 million.
Gayla Ouellette, the daughter of Maureen Hvegholm, sent 2 News Nevada the following statement:
“Very disappointed in the City of Sparks today. Their offer will be rejected, and mom is prepared to go to trial. People need to understand the gravity of what the City of Sparks has done here. It's not only an assault on an elderly woman, it's the lies, deceit, and attempt at covering it up. It's disgusting.”
