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A resolution authorizing the Metropolitan Department of Law to compromise and settle the personal injury claim of Carolyn Ramey against the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County in the amount of $45,000.00, and that said amount be paid out of the Self-Insured Liability Fund.
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WHEREAS, on August 16, 2024, Carolyn Ramey was a passenger on a WeGo bus when an NDOT truck executed a U-turn in front of the bus, causing it to brake suddenly, at the intersection of Rep. John Lewis Way and Junior Gilliam Way in Davidson County, Tennessee; and,
WHEREAS, Plaintiff alleges that, due to the incident, she 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 Carolyn Ramey, related to the events detailed above, be compromised and settled for $45,000.00, 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 claim of Caroyln Ramey for the sum of $45,000.00, 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 August 16, 2024, Carolyn Ramey was a passenger on a WeGo bus as it traveled south on Rep. John Lewis Way near Junior Gilliam Way. At the same time, a truck driven by a Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (“NDOT”) employee executed an unexpected U turn directly in front of the bus. The WeGo bus driver braked suddenly to avoid a collision, and Ms. Ramey was thrown from her seat into the seatback in front of her. The NDOT driver said that he was not aware of the bus and did not realize that an incident had occurred.
After the incident, the bus remained stopped, and Ms. Ramey reported injuries. She was taken by ambulance to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with a toe fracture and mild abdomen trauma. Ms. Ramey also stated that the incident exacerbated an old spinal injury. She said she did not receive additional treatment because of financial and transportation issues. Her medical expenses totaled $19,620.05.
The parties have participated in settlement negotiations and have agreed upon the settlement amount of $45,000. The Department of Law recommends settlement of Ms. Ramey’s personal injury claim for $45,000.
NDOT took no discipline against the employee involved, as the department was not aware of the incident until a lawsuit was filed in September 2025.
Fiscal Note: The total settlement amount is $45,000. This settlement would be the seventh (7th)
payment, after approval by Metropolitan Council, from the Self-Insured Liability Fund in FY27 for a cumulative total of $677,258. The fund balance would be $11,066,829 after this payment.