Largest Payouts for Police Brutality Cases in Michigan

by | Mar 21, 2017 | Civil Rights | 0 comments

Michigan is no stranger to polarized police brutality cases. These cases have captured the eyes of the country and shine a negative spotlight on Michigan, if even for a brief moment. Many of these cases usually grab the country’s’ attention for a particular amount of time, and then people move on. While the rest of the country might have moved on, the courts and local police department must still handle the matter at hand. For as many of the cases that lead to no justice for the victim or the victim’s family, there has been a few that have led to major payouts to the afflicted. We have compiled a list of a few of the largest payouts in Michigan history for a police misconduct cases.

William Jennings | $36.6 Million

The arrest that led to this case was in September of 2010. What started off as a routine drunk-driving arrest turned ugly once Jennings arrive at the Genesee County jailhouse. Video evidence shows Jennings being beaten by an officer, dragged on the floor, and having his face smashed into the wall. He was also tied down with a bag placed over his face. The case was not settled until 2016, when this outstanding payout was announced. Jennings was a resident of Flint Township and this payout is one of the largest as of recent.

Malice Green | $5.2 Million

In 1992, an African American man by the name of Malice Green was killed at the hands of two white officers in Detroit. Green had allegedly refused to open his hands per the request of the officers which led to him getting beaten in the head with their flashlights. The injuries suffered led to his death. This case sparked great controversy in the state of Michigan and around the country as it almost mirrored the Marquette Frye cased which led to the Watts riots in Los Angeles.

Floyd Dent | $1.38 Million

In January of 2015, Floyd Dent was punched, kicked, and Tasered repeatedly during a traffic stop in the Detroit suburb of Inkster. Drug and assault charges were placed against Dent following the incident which were eventually dropped. Public outcry and the polarization of the case allegedly played a major role in the resignation of the Inkster police chief. After the settlement amount was announced, Dent told a local station that “Money isn’t everything… you can’t buy happiness.”

If you ever find yourself victim of police brutality, look no further than the Michigan Legal Center. We have experience working with the people of Michigan to seek compensation for their injuries that they have suffered at the hands of a police officer. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

Cadillac, MI – Child Injured in Bicycle Crash at Granite & Laurel St

Cadillac, MI (June 3, 2023) - A 12-year-old boy was hurt while riding a bike in Cadillac on Friday night, June 2.  The fatal accident was reported at the corner of Granite and Laurel Street at around 6:40 p.m. The victim was traveling by bicycle when he was hit by a...

Algonac, MI – Debra Fox Killed in Boating Accident at Algonac Harbor Club

Algonac, MI (June 3, 2023) - A Clarkston woman was killed in a boating accident in Algonac over the weekend on Friday, May 26.  The deadly accident took place at the Algonac Harbor Club on M-29 near State Street. When emergency responders arrived, they found a 23-foot...

Imlay City, MI – Woman Killed, Man Hurt in Can-Am Spyder Motorcycle Crash on M-53

Imlay City, MI (June 3, 2023) - A woman was killed and a man injured following a crash involving two motorcycles in Imlay City on Sunday afternoon, May 28.  The fatal accident was reported on M-53 as the woman was riding a Can-Am Spyder three-wheeled motorcycle and...

Flint Twp, MI – Two Killed, One Hurt in Wrong-Way Crash at I-75 & Beecher Rd

Flint Twp, MI (June 3, 2023) - A head-on crash in Flint Township on Saturday, May 27, left two people dead and another in critical condition.  At around 10:35 p.m., two vehicles collided on Interstate 75 near Beecher Road. It was reported that a 43-year-old man from...

Holly Twp, MI – Burton Man Killed in Motorcycle Crash at Belford & Holly Rd

Holly Twp, MI (June 3, 2023) - On Monday, May 29, a motorcyclist was killed following a collision in Holly Township.  The deadly accident was reported at the intersection of Belford and Holly Roads early that morning. A 53-year-old Burton man was headed northbound on...

Gladwin, MI – Woman Hurt in Three-Vehicle Crash on M-61

Gladwin, MI (June 3, 2023) - A woman was injured after a pileup collision in the Gladwin area on Tuesday, May 23.  The accident was reported on M-61 that afternoon. Three vehicles reportedly collided at the scene. A woman was hurt in the crash, and she was treated at...

Kingsford, MI – Two Hurt after Car Crashes into Healthcare Building on Pyle Dr

Kingsford, MI (June 3, 2023) - Two people were injured after a vehicle crashed into a building on Pyle Drive in Kingsford on Thursday afternoon, June 1.  The accident occurred as a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria was traveling on the roadway and crashed into the Northpointe...

Walker, MI – Driver Seriously Hurt in Two-Car Crash at Elmridge Dr & 3 Mile Rd

Walker, MI (June 3, 2023) - Two people were injured after a two-vehicle collision in Walker on Wednesday, May 31.  The accient was reported at the intersection of Elmrige Drive and 3 Mile Road at around 8 a.m. A driver was making a left turn when they were hit by an...

Frenchtown Twp, MI – Monroe Man Dies in 18-Wheeler Crash at Telegraph & Newport Rd

Frenchtown Twp, MI (June 2, 2023) - On Monday, May 29, a Monroe man was killed after being hit by a semi-truck in Frenchtown Township.  The victim was riding a 1989 Honda Hurricane motorcycle when he was hit by a black 2020 Peterbilt tractor-trailer at the...

Gaines Twp, MI – Britt Bridge Killed in Motorcycle Accident at Morrish & Hill Rd

Gaines Twp, MI (June 2, 2023) - A crash involving a pickup truck and a motorcycle in Gaines Township resulted in the death of a Swartz Creek man on Saturday, May 27.  The deadly crash occurred at the corner of Morrish and Hill Roads at around 11 p.m. that night. It...