Pontoon Beach accident suit settles Thursday

A negligence suit brought in 2007 by two families over injuries they received in a Pontoon Beach accident settled Thursday.

Madison County Circuit Judge Barbara Crowder presided over the good faith hearing for the settlement.

Plaintiffs Angela Derosier and Derek Derosier sued Keith Rose on their behalf and that of their children, Joshua and Emily Derosier. Melissa Guthrie, a passenger in the Derosier's car at the time of the accident, is also suing Rose for her own injuries and those she claims her two sons, Timothy and Samuel Guthrie, suffered.

According to the complaint, Rose's vehicle hit the Derosier's on Highway 111 in Pontoon Beach on Aug. 3, 2007.

Rose was sued on three counts of negligence for allegedly failing to keep look out, driving recklessly, speeding and proceeding into the intersection without ascertaining its safety among other charges.

The plaintiffs claimed to have incurred pain, mental anguish,
permanent injury and medical costs as well as lost wages and family income.

The plaintiffs asked for damages in excess of $50,000 and costs for each count.

Though most details of the settlement were not available, the settlement does state that $20,000 will be split amongst the four children involved in the suit, according to attorneys present at the hearing.

Angela and Derek Derosier along with Melissa Guthrie were represented by Brian Wendler, according to court records. The Derosier children were represented by Frederick Steiger. The Guthrie children were represented by Mark Levy.

Rose was represented by Thomas Zimmer.

The case is Madison case number 07-L-1046.