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A resolution authorizing the Metropolitan Department of Law to compromise and settle the personal injury claim of Paula Lewis against the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County in the amount of $155,000.00, and that said amount be paid out of the Self-Insured Liability Fund.
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WHEREAS, Paula Lewis claims personal injuries and damages resulting from a motor vehicle accident when a Metro Water Services garbage truck struck a vehicle in which Ms. Lewis was a passenger while driving eastbound on State Route 45 near 517 Spence Lane on March 3, 2022; 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 Paula Lewis related to the events detailed above, be compromised and settled for $155,000.00, 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 Paul Lewis for the sum of $155,000.00, 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 3, 2022, a Metro Water Services (“MWS”) employee was driving to a convenience center in a garbage truck. The MWS employee was traveling eastbound on Spence Lane in stop-and-go traffic. The vehicle in front of the MWS garbage truck stopped, but the MWS employee was unable to stop and hit the vehicle, causing damage to the vehicle. Paula Lewis was a passenger in the vehicle that was hit.
Ms. Lewis was transported to the emergency room after the crash. She complained of head, neck, right shoulder, lower back, and chest-wall pain. She was given anti-inflammatories and a muscle relaxer for pain control and was discharged. One week later, she returned to the hospital with back pain, tingling in her neck, and tingling and weakness in her right arm. She was prescribed pain medication and told to ice and elevate her arm, and to wear a neck brace. In April 2022, she returned to the hospital for imaging of her lumbar, cervical, and thoracic spine and was ultimately referred for physical therapy. She received physical therapy as well as injections which improved her condition. Ms. Lewis claims $68,113 in medical expenses.
The Department of Law recommends settlement of Ms. Lewis’s personal injury claim for $155,000.
No disciplinary action was taken against the MWS employee involved.
Fiscal Note: This $155,000 settlement would be the 16th payment approved by the Metropolitan Council from the Self-Insured Liability Fund in FY25 for a cumulative total of $737,258.