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A resolution authorizing the Metropolitan Department of Law to compromise and settle the personal injury claims of Kierra Sims, individually and as natural parent of her minor child, Jazele Sampson, against the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County in the amount of $40,000.00, and that said amount be paid out of the Self-Insured Liability Fund.
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WHEREAS, on February 13, 2024, Jazele Sampson, minor child of Kierra Sims, was riding in a Metro Parks vehicle when it was involved in a motor vehicle accident near 1403 Turner Street, Old Hickory, Davidson County, Tennessee; and,
WHEREAS, Plaintiffs alleges that, due to the incident, Jazele Sampson sustained injuries, expenses, and damages proximately caused by the negligence of the Metropolitan Government; and,
WHEREAS, after investigation, the Metropolitan Department of Law believes that the settlement listed in Section 1 is fair and reasonable and in the best interest of the Metropolitan Government, and recommends that any and all claims or causes of action brought or that could have been brought by Kierra Sims, individually or as natural parent of her minor child, Jazele Sampson, related to the events detailed above, be compromised and settled for $40,000.00, and that this amount be paid from the Self-Insured Liability Fund.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1: The Metropolitan Department of Law is authorized to compromise and settle the personal injury claims of Kierra Sims, individually and as natural parent of her minor child, Jazele Sampson, for the sum of $40,000.00, with said amount to be paid from the Self-Insured Liability Fund.
Section 2: This resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.
Agenda Analysis
Analysis
On February 13, 2024, a van driven by a Metropolitan Department of Parks and Recreation employee was transporting 11 students from Dupont Hadley Middle School to Hadley Park Community Center for an after-school care program.
The employee was driving down Turner Street when the van veered too closely to another vehicle and sideswiped its right rear side and bumper. At the time, a child was riding in the first passenger row with her seatbelt on.
After the wreck, the parents of the children onboard the van were contacted. The child in the first passenger row told her mother, Kierra Sims, that she had back and neck pain. Ms. Sims later picked up her child before driving to the hospital for treatment. The child received diagnostic scans of her neck and spine, which were normal. She was eventually referred to a physical therapist, who diagnosed her with whiplash and treated her physical pain for two months. The medical expenses for this incident totaled $21,346.81.
Ms. Sims filed suit against the Metropolitan Government on behalf of her daughter. The parties have participated in settlement negotiations and have agreed upon the settlement amount of $40,000, subject to approval from the Metropolitan Council. The Department of Law recommends settlement of Ms. Sims’ claims for $40,000.
Fiscal Note: The total settlement amount is $40,000. This settlement would be the 23rd payment, after approval by Metropolitan Council, from the Self-Insured Liability Fund in FY26 for a cumulative total of $2,959,099. The fund balance would be $11,033,370 after this payment.