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A resolution authorizing the Metropolitan Department of Law to compromise and settle the personal injury claim of Shawn’a Hatcher against the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County in the amount of $150,000.00, and that said amount be paid out of the Self-Insured Liability Fund.
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WHEREAS, on September 17, 2019, the Plaintiff, Shawn’a Hatcher was involved in an accident with a Metro vehicle while approaching Jefferson Street in Nashville, Tennessee. Plaintiff Shawn’a Hatcher alleges that, due to the accident, 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 Shawn’a Hatcher related to the events detailed above be compromised and settled for $150,000.00, 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 Shawn’a Hatcher for the sum of $150,000.00, 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 September 17, 2019, an employee of the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (“NDOT”) was driving a dump truck westbound in the middle lane of the Jefferson Street Bridge. At that time, Shawn’a Hatcher was the passenger in the rear driver’s side of a car travelling westbound in the right lane of the Jefferson Street Bridge. The NDOT employee attempted to merge into the right lane, and the front passenger side of the NDOT truck struck the rear driver’s side of the other vehicle. The NDOT employee later said that the other vehicle was driving in his blind spot. Both vehicles sustained minor damage.
Ms. Hatcher was the passenger closest to the impact area and suffered a torn rotator cuff of her left shoulder. She required surgery and extensive physical therapy, and her medical expenses were more than $75,000. Ms. Hatcher filed a negligence claim against the Metropolitan Government. Immunity under the Tennessee Governmental Tort Liability Act is generally removed for injuries resulting from the negligent operation of a vehicle within the course and scope of employment.
The parties have participated in settlement negotiations and have agreed upon the settlement amount of $150,000, subject to approval from the Metropolitan Council. The Department of Law recommends settlement of Ms. Hatcher’s personal injury claim for $150,000.
The NDOT employee involved in the collision received a written reprimand following this incident.
Fiscal Note: The total settlement amount is $150,000. This settlement along with Resolution No. RS2025-1444, RS2025-1445 and RS2025-1458 would be the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th payments, after approval by Metropolitan Council, from the Self-Insured Liability Fund in FY26 for a cumulative total of $1,185,512. The fund balance would be $9,902,135 after these payments.