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A resolution authorizing the Metropolitan Department of Law to compromise and settle the personal injury claim of Charles Chasse against the Metropolitan Government for $18,000.00, with said amount to be paid out of the Self-Insured Liability Fund.
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WHEREAS, on July 16, 2023, Charles Chasse was northbound on Douglas Avenue in the intersection of Douglas and Gallatin Avenues with a green traffic signal. The MNPD officer was westbound on Gallatin Avenue approaching the intersection with a red traffic signal. The MNPD officer collided with Mr. Chasse’s vehicle on the passenger side, causing injury to Mr. Chasse; 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 claim of Charles Chasse be compromised and settled for $18,000.00, 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 Charles Chasse for the sum of $18,000.00 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 July 16, 2023, Charles Chasses was traveling northbound on Douglas Avenue in his vehicle. Mr. Chasses was proceeding through the intersection of Douglas and Gallatin Avenues with a green light signal when a Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (“MNPD”) officer approached the same intersection with a red light signal. The MNPD officer failed to stop at the red light and collided with the front passenger side of Mr. Chasses’ vehicle. The patrol car was not on an emergency call and had no sirens or lights activated when the collision occurred. The damage to and final resting locations of both vehicles indicated that the MNPD officer failed to take the necessary precaution when approaching a red light at an intersection.
Mr. Chasse reported headaches, shoulder pain, and muscle spasms. He received care from a chiropractor from July 25 through November 27, 2023. Further care was sought at an orthopedic clinic on August 15, October 2, and December 11, 2023, and from a physical therapist from October 9 through December 11, 2023. Mr. Chasse incurred $10,914.23 in medical expenses.
The Department of Law recommends settlement of Mr. Chasse’s personal injury claim for $18,000.
Disciplinary action taken against the MNPD officer consisted of a suspension.
Fiscal Note: The total settlement amount is $18,000. This settlement along with Resolution No. RS2024-359 would be the 23rd and 24th payments from the Self-Insured Liability Fund in FY24 for a cumulative total of $1,193,067. The fund balance would be $ $14,052,782 after these payments.