First Party Auto/PIP

Court/Case No: Michigan Court of Appeals, No. 314355

Tried/Argued Before: Judge

Demand: $100,000

Verdict: $0 - no cause verdict affirmed on appeal

Name of Judge(s): Hon. Donald S. Owens, William C. Whitbeck and Patrick M. Meter

Keys to the Case:

After Auto-Owners’ house counsel obtained a “no cause” verdict in this PIP action, Plaintiff appealed.  The matter was assigned to Secrest Wardle to defend the appeal.  After Plaintiff failed to comply with various procedural prerequisites to perfecting the appeal, Secrest Wardle’s appellate counsel aggressively pressed the court to enforce its filing deadlines, bringing a Motion to Dismiss the appeal after multiple deadlines were missed.  The Court of Appeals gave the Plaintiff multiple extensions, but ultimately granted Secrest Wardle’s motion and dismissed what otherwise would have been a costly appeal.

Defense SW attorney(s) Involved in Case: