Nashville Sued by Driver Over Collision Due To Hose Falling Off Apparatus

A woman who was injured in a collision caused by “equipment or firehose” coming off a Nashville fire truck in 2022, has filed suit against the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County and the driver of a third vehicle that struck her from behind after the initial collision.  Kristin Boesen filed suit in Davidson County Circuit Court alleging negligence.

Boesen’s suit claims Metro government is liable because its personnel negligently secured the equipment and hose on the apparatus, as well as for negligent hiring, training and supervision of its personnel. The other driver, Cameron Dupree, is accused of negligence for failing to keep a safe distance, and failing to keep a proper lookout. [Anyone else see a level of hypocrisy in Boesen’s allegations???]

Boesen claims she suffered personal injuries, lost income and property damage. The suit is seeking up to $250,000 in damages. Here is a copy of the complaint.

Incidentally – this is the fourth suit I have involving people suing fire departments for hose being inadvertently deployed. This is the first that does not allege wrongful death. That is four out of 12,368 cases, so while these cases are not unheard of, they remain relatively rare. I am aware of a fifth case of such a hose deployment leading to injuries – but it did not result in a lawsuit.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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