title
A resolution authorizing the Metropolitan Department of Law to compromise and settle the personal injury and loss of consortium claims of Nathan Mayo and Felicia Mayo against the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County in the amount of $450,000.00, and that said amount be paid out of the Self-Insured Liability Fund.
body
WHEREAS, on September 8, 2022, Plaintiff Nathan Mayo was involved in a motor vehicle accident while traveling as a passenger in a Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) vehicle in the course and scope of his MNPD employment.
WHEREAS, Mr. Mayo alleges that due to the accident, he sustained injuries and damages proximately caused by Metro’s negligence, and his wife, Felicia Mayo, also asserts a loss-of-consortium claim arising out of the accident; 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 Nathan Mayo and Felicia Mayo related to the events detailed above, be compromised and settled for $450,000.00, 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 and loss of consortium claims of Nathan Mayo and Felicia Mayo for the sum of $450,000.00, 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 8, 2022, former Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (“MNPD”) Field Training Officer Nathan Mayo was traveling in a police vehicle driven by another MNPD officer. The two officers were stopped at a red light at the corner of Brook Hollow Road and Charlotte Avenue when MNPD dispatched them to a nearby injury accident. The officer driving the MNPD vehicle failed to activate his sirens or account for oncoming traffic when he proceeded through the red signal light and attempted to make a left-hand turn onto Charlotte Avenue. At the same time, a car driven by Ma Beltran proceeded through a green light and struck the squad car.
Officer Mayo suffered major injuries resulting from the collision, including a closed head injury and multiple fractures in his cervical spine. He initially spent four days at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and eventually underwent a two-level cervical fusion surgery with instrumentation. As a result of the surgery, Officer Mayo suffered an embolism and nearly died. The charges for his medical care were more than $200,000. While medical bills were paid through the injury on duty program, Officer Mayo retains significant permanent impairment and will continue to incur significant pain and suffering. He also resigned from his position with MNPD based on his surgeon’s recommendation and found less physically demanding employment. Separately, Officer Mayo’s wife, Felicia Mayo claims a loss of consortium based on how the injury has strained her marriage. While the marriage remains strong, Mrs. Mayo effectively served as her husband’s nurse while he convalesced and had to take on additional parenting roles because of his physical restrictions.
Officer Mayo accused the Metropolitan Government of negligence regarding this incident, and Mrs. Mayo filed a related loss of consortium claim. State law permits drivers of emergency vehicles to disregard regulations about the direction of movement when responding to an emergency call, provided that the vehicle’s lights and sirens are activated. However, this law does not relieve a driver from a duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons. The Mayos would likely receive a significant amount in non-economic damages for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.
The parties have participated in settlement negotiations and have agreed upon the settlement amount of $450,000, subject to approval from the Metropolitan Council. The Department of Law recommends settlement of the Mayo’s claims for a combined $450,000.
Following this incident, the officer driving the MNPD squad car voluntarily resigned.
Fiscal Note: The total settlement amount is $450,000. This settlement, along with Resolution No. RS2026-1758, would be the 18th and 19th payments, after approval by Metropolitan Council, from the Self-Insured Liability Fund in FY26 for a cumulative total of $2,661,165. The fund balance would be $10,501,104 after these payments.