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A resolution authorizing the Metropolitan Department of Law to compromise and settle the personal injury claims of Jerry and Reba Hayes against the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County for $48,000.00, with said amount to be paid out of the Self-Insured Liability Fund.
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WHEREAS, on March 14, 2025, Jerry Hayes had stopped his 2015 Chevrolet truck at the stop sign at the intersection of Skyline Ridge Drive and Due West Avenue. Reba Hayes was a passenger in the front seat of the truck. A Nashville Fire Department (NFD) ambulance was approaching the intersection behind the Hayes stopped vehicle. The NFD ambulance did not stop in time and rearended the Hayes’ truck, causing injury to Mr. and Mrs. Hayes; 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 the personal injury claims of Jerry Hayes ($8,000.00) and Reba Hayes ($40,000.00) be compromised and settled for $48,000.00, 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 Jerry Hayes and Reba Hayes for the sum of $48,000.00 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 March 14, 2025, Jerry and Reba Hayes were stopped in their truck at the stop sign at the intersection of Skyline Ridge Drive and Due West Avenue. A Nashville Fire Department (“NFD”) ambulance approached the intersection behind the Hayes’ vehicle. The NFD employee believed that the Hayes’ truck would proceed through the intersection and was unable to stop the ambulance before it rear-ended the Hayes’ truck. The repair estimate for the truck was $1,761.11 and has been paid.
Mrs. Hayes, who was sitting on the passenger side of the truck, went to the emergency room on March 15, 2025, complaining of back pain, nausea, and headache. After receiving CT scans, she was diagnosed with muscle, fascia, and tendon back strain.
Mr. Hayes, who was driving the truck, also went to the emergency room on the same date with complaints of generalized pain. He was released after an x-ray was performed.
The parties have participated in settlement negotiations and have agreed upon the settlement amount of a combined $48,000, subject to approval from the Metropolitan Council. Mrs. Hayes’ claim would be settled for $40,000, and Mr. Hayes would be settled for $8,000. The Department of Law recommends settlement of Mr. and Mrs. Hayes’ personal injury claims for $48,000.
Disciplinary action regarding the NFD employee involved in the wreck is pending supervisor review.
Fiscal Note: The total settlement amount is $48,000. This settlement along with Resolution No. RS2026-1797 would be the 20th and 21st payments, after approval by Metropolitan Council, from the Self-Insured Liability Fund in FY26 for a cumulative total of $2,763,119. The fund balance would be $10,360,520 after these payments.