Best Probate Attorneys in Battle Creek, MI

KEILEN LAW ATTORNEYS HELP CLIENT REACH RECORD-BREAKING DOG BITE SETTLEMENT IN MICHIGANnnKeilen Law attorneys, Raymond Steadmon and Tyler Covell, recently settled a dog bite case on behalf of their minor client for a record-breaking $675,000.00. It is the largest reported settlement involving an animal attack in Michigan. Part of the settlement agreement required the dog owners’ insurance company to use the settlement money to fund a structed settlement annuity for the client’s benefit. Ultimately, she will receive over $1,000,000.00.nnIn 2021, an eight-year-old girl walked next door to her friend’s house to see if she wanted to play as she had done many times before. This time, as she walked toward the house, the homeowners’ two adult, fully-grown, rottweilers attacked her without any warning or provocation. The young girl was bitten numerous times on her thigh, arm, and hand. The bite on her arm tore through her bicep tendon. Luckily, one of the dogs’ owners was home and able to stop the attack. nnThe young girl was taken to a local hospital where she had surgery to repair her bicep tendon and to clean out her bite wounds. She remained in the hospital overnight. Over the next few months, the child attended physical therapy for her arm and had several follow up visits with her surgeon. nnThe attack left the child with significant scars. The attorneys consulted with a plastic surgeon and dermatologist who provided written reports regarding the child’s future treatment options to reduce the appearance of the scarring. nnIn addition to the physical injuries, the child suffered significant emotional trauma. She was experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, fear of dogs, fear of being alone, embarrassment from the scarring, and other emotional trauma. She was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The young girl attended weekly therapy sessions to address the emotional trauma for one year following the attack.nnToday, the child is doing much better emotionally. While she still experiences difficulties related to her emotional trauma, she has learned how to process and cope with those difficulties when they arise.nnThe young girl’s parents retained Keilen Law to investigate and pursue a claim for damages on their daughter’s behalf against the dog owners’ homeowners’ insurance company. Ray Steadmon and Tyler Covell did just that. After a thorough investigation and building up the claim, Ray and Tyler made a pre-suit settlement demand to Auto Owners Insurance Company. The insurance company failed to respond to the settlement demand by the deadline given. As such, Ray and Tyler informed the insurance company that they would be withdrawing their settlement demand and filing a lawsuit. nnThe next day, Ray and Tyler filed the young girl’s lawsuit in Barry County, Michigan Circuit Court (Case No.: 2023-520-NO) and sent a copy to the insurance company. That evening, an attorney from the insurance company contacted Ray and asked if he was interested in exploring settlement through mediation before pursuing litigation. Ray and his client’s agreed. nnSeveral weeks later, the parties and their attorneys participated in a voluntary mediation. At the mediation, the insurance company’s maximum offer was $500,000.00. As a result, the case did not resolve. However, by the following week, Ray and Tyler, with the help of the mediator, were successful in getting the insurance company to increase their offer by $175,000.00 to a total of $675,000.00. The clients accepted the settlement. The settlement was approved by the Barry County Circuit Court. nnAfter the settlement, Ray and Tyler were able assist the clients in setting up an annuity that will be funded by the settlement proceeds. The annuity will begin to payout when the young girl reaches eighteen years of age. In total, the young girl is guaranteed to receive over $1,000,000.00 from the annuity. nIn addition to dog bite claims, Keilen Law handles all other types personal injury matters. To read more about Ray, Tyler, and Keilen Law, visit our website.