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A resolution authorizing the Metropolitan Department of Law to compromise and settle the personal injury claim of Krystyna Sweeney in the amount of $35,000, and that said amount be paid out of the Self-Insured Liability Fund.
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WHEREAS, on November 22, 2024, Krystyna Sweeney was westbound on I-40 when traffic slowed and came to a stop. Ms. Sweeney stopped her vehicle, but a Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) vehicle behind Ms. Sweeney was unable to stop. The officer had glanced down and when he looked back up, traffic had stopped and the MNPD vehicle struck the rear of Ms. Sweeny’s Toyota pushing it into the back of a UPS truck, causing injury to her; 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 that Krystyna Sweeney brought or could have brought related to the events detailed above be compromised and settled for $35,000, 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 Krystyna Sweeney for the sum of $35,000, 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 November 24, 2024, Krystyna Sweeney was driving behind a UPS truck in stop and go traffic on Interstate 24 West. A Metropolitan Nashville Police Department officer was driving behind Ms. Sweeney’s vehicle. The officer briefly looked at the passenger seat then looked up to realize that the traffic in front of him was at a complete stop. While the officer attempted to stop, the police car collided with Ms. Sweeney’s vehicle, which pushed her vehicle into the back of the UPS truck.
After the wreck, Ms. Sweeney went to the hospital with reports of neck, back, and chest pain. She was diagnosed with a contusion of the thorax front wall and instructed to follow up with her primary care physician. Four days later, Ms. Sweeney went to a chiropractor with upper extremity numbness, stiffness, and pain. She was diagnosed with spinal enthesopathy of the lumbar and thoracic regions, thoracic back pain, neck whiplash, and a closed fracture sternum dislocation. Ms. Sweeney sought additional care on December 12, 2024, and was diagnosed with a fractured sternum, right rib side pain, and unspecified chest pain.
The parties have participated in settlement negotiations and have agreed upon the settlement amount of $35,000, subject to approval from the Metropolitan Council. The Department of Law recommends settlement of Ms. Sweeney’s personal injury claim for $35,000.
MNPD took no disciplinary action against the officer involved in this matter.