Court rules in favor of insurance company, dismissing all claims in a case involving $630K in damages.
In a dramatic case involving a stolen vehicle, high-speed police chases, and more than $630,000 in claimed PIP benefits, Zausmer successfully defended an insurance company and secured the dismissal of all claims. The case revolved around injuries sustained by the passenger of a vehicle, who was injured in an accident after a multi-county police chase. The vehicle was involved in several high-speed pursuits over the course of several days. On the day of the accident the vehicle reached speeds over 100 mph while fleeing from police before crashing into a culvert and tree.
Plaintiffs Bronson Healthcare Group and Ascension Borgess-Pipp Hospital sought over $630,000 for medical expenses related to the passenger’s treatment. However, Zausmer attorneys Julian Heidenreich and Jason Osbourn successfully argued that the passenger was excluded from receiving benefits under Michigan’s No-Fault Act (MCL 500.3113(a)) due to her knowledge that the involved vehicle was stolen.
The defense strategy underscored that the passenger had been involved in the high-speed chases, was connected with the vehicle’s owner and place from which it was stolen, and made several admissions regarding this knowledge to other witnesses both before and after the accident.
The court’s ruling dismissed the case with prejudice. This outcome highlights Zausmer’s commitment to delivering strategic, effective defenses, ensuring optimal results for clients even in the most challenging and complex cases.
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