Claims and Litigation Management Team Work with Counsel to Tirelessly Defend Member County; Win Big in Federal Court
- Posted on February 17, 2016
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Aegis Corporation's Claims and Risk Management Team recently saw a big win in federal court after seven years of working on a Waupaca County case and a four-day trial. A jury of eight men and women in Green Bay found in favor of a Waupaca County Deputy alleged to have used excessive force when he shot and injured the plaintiff in November 2007.
The Waupaca County Deputy was successfully represented by the Wisconsin County Mutual Insurance Corporation (County Mutual), the insurer of the county. Aegis Corporation serves as the general administrator of the County Mutual and their attorneys Samuel Hall, Jr. and Tim Johnson of Crivello Carlson, S.C.
In his closing arguments, the plaintiff's attorney asked the jurors to award $4.5 million in damages. The jury concluded that the deputy's use of force was objectively reasonable from the perspective of a reasonable officer at the scene and the use of deadly force was appropriate as the deputy reasonably believed that his death or serious bodily harm was imminent and handed down a verdict in favor of the Waupaca County Deputy.
According to Attorney Samuel Hall, Jr, "In the face of the relentless public scrutiny and second-guessing of law enforcement officers, this trial was a refreshing example of a jury coming together to recognize the right of an officer to use lethal force to protect himself."
The Waupaca County Sheriff's Department worked closely with the County Mutual and general administrator Aegis Corporation, along with the legal representation of Crivello Carlson, S.C.
"The Waupaca County Sheriff's Office, on behalf of our Deputy, would like to extend our greatest appreciation to the County Mutual and Crivello Carlson S.C. Attorneys Sam Hall and Tim Johnson and their support staff for taking this case and giving our deputy as well as our department the support needed to bring this case to Federal Court and get us a successful outcome," said Al Kraeger, Chief Deputy of the Waupaca County Sheriff's Office.
He continued, "From the moment we started working with the County Mutual, it was clear they believed in our deputy and his decision making abilities. All parties kept us informed, which allowed us to give input throughout the process, making us a part of the team. I cannot put into words our gratitude for the entire teams hard work and dedication defending our deputy and his family, our department and in giving all of us justice. Thank you for all the great work which gave us the correct outcome for Law Enforcement."
The County Mutual serves counties and local governments and the people they serve by providing long-term stability in insurance coverages, while controlling these costs. It is owned by member counties and has the financial security and comprehensive programs and services that protect counties, while saving precious taxpayer dollars.
"This case is a perfect example of how the County Mutual remains dedicated to our close working relationship with member counties," said Sheila Mishich, Litigation Case Manager for Aegis Corporation. "We, together with Attorney Sam Hall's team worked closely with Waupaca County and fought tirelessly to defend their deputy on this case. We are extremely pleased with the outcome and in the end, justice was truly served."
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