Kalkaska health care lawsuits set for trial
Cases involving former and current village employees who sued the village after their health insurance benefits were cut -- including former department of public works employee
"We want to convince the jury that the individuals who lost their health insurance need to be compensated," he said. "The difficult problem is health insurance is expensive and the jury might believe the amount we're asking for isn't reasonable."
He plans to bring experts to speak about health insurance rates and inflation to clarify the requested damages.
Village attorney Jeff Jocks submitted court documents indicating the plaintiffs' expert --
Village officials made multiple settlement offers, including an
"As I've been saying and urging people to maintain focus on the issue, it's going to be a devastating event for the community," said village Manager
Village President
DiGiacomo claimed officials are painting a dire picture and sharing it with village residents in attempts to taint the jury pool that could determine the damages the village and taxpayers would be on the hook for. It's an accusation village officials challenged.
"They know how to pay for this thing," DiGiacomo said. "It's our position that scaring the taxpayers into believing they will bear the brunt of this judgment is immoral."
Village officials could seek bonds to pay out those damages without increasing the burden too severely on taxpayers, he said. Yost directed questions concerning payment options to Jocks, who did not immediately return calls requesting comment.
DiGiacomo said it remains unclear how much village officials would be responsible for in terms of damages if he and his clients are successful. Determining those numbers is complex because the amount will be taxable and his clients could lose much of it.
He already attempted unsuccessfully to move the trial to a different venue. The damages could make it hard to sit an impartial jury since their tax dollars likely will be responsible for covering the massive debt, he said.
"That's a real risk for us," DiGiacomo said.
Yost stood by the village council members' and attorneys' work to fight the lawsuits and try to reach smaller settlements.
"This council has been trying to act in the best interest of the residents and businesses and taxpayers of the community," Yost said. "I'm sure they will continue to do so."
The trial is scheduled for
Clearing the Record: Because of a reporter's error, this story incorrectly listed
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