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A resolution authorizing the Metropolitan Department of Law to compromise and settle the personal injury claim of Kenneth Strickland against the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County in the amount of $24,000.00, and that said amount be paid out of the Self-Insured Liability Fund.
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WHEREAS, on December 7, 2021, the Plaintiff, Kenneth Strickland was involved in a motor vehicle accident with a Metro Vehicle while traveling northbound on Murfreesboro Pike in Davidson County, Nashville, Tennessee. Plaintiff Kenneth Strickland alleges that, due to the accident, he 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 Kenneth Strickland related to the events detailed above, be compromised and settled for $24,000.00, 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 Kenneth Strickland for the sum of $24,000.00, 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 December 7, 2021, Kenneth Strickland was traveling north on Murfreesboro Pike near Hamilton Church Road. As he slowed for traffic, his vehicle was struck from behind by a Nashville Fire Department (“NFD”) ambulance. The NFD employee was not responding to an emergency call when the collision occurred. The NFD Accident Review Board found the ambulance driver at fault for the incident.
Mr. Strickland went to the emergency room for neck, back, and shoulder pain. He received additional physical therapy, orthopedic care, and pain management. Mr. Strickland incurred $9,100 in medical expenses.
The parties have participated in settlement negotiations and have agreed upon the settlement amount of $24,000, subject to approval from the Metropolitan Council. If the case were to go to trial, the Metropolitan Government would incur significant litigation expense and risk an award of damages to Mr. Strickland that is greater than the proposed settlement. The Department of Law recommends settlement of Mr. Strickland’s claim for $24,000.
The ambulance driver received a three-day suspension as a result of the incident.
Fiscal Note: The total settlement amount is $24,000. This settlement along with Resolution Nos. RS2025-1202 and RS2025-1203 would be the 30th, 31st and 32nd payments, after approval by Metropolitan Council, from the Self-Insured Liability Fund in FY25 for a cumulative total of $1,615,677. The fund balance would be $12,086,819 after these payments.