Willow Springs, Missouri – Privette Law Office is proud to announce three significant case outcomes achieved on behalf of injured clients and grieving families. The firm secured a $10 million wrongful death judgment in 2023, a $1 million jury verdict in early 2024, and capped 2024 with a substantial confidential settlement related to an invasion of privacy.

$10 Million Wrongful Judgment – December 2023

In a tragic case involving the shooting of Crue Ridenoure in Texas County, Missouri, Privette Law Office represented Ridenoure’s father, the estate of his mother, and his three surviving children. 

The court entered a $10 million judgment against the defendant, Michael Nugent, who was convicted of first-degree murder and is serving life without parole. The judgment, entered by Judge William Hickle, acknowledged the profound loss suffered by the family and apportioned the damages among the surviving relatives. 

“While the defendant may be behind bars, our clients deserved to have their loss recognized through the civil justice system,” said attorney Zane Privette. “We intend to pursue collection on the judgment to provide long-term financial support for Mr. Ridenoure’s children.” 

$1 Million Jury Verdict for Injured Horse Handler – May 2024

In a separate matter, the firm represented Arlene Maldonado, a horse handler who suffered a severe ankle fracture requiring multiple surgeries after being injured by a spooked horse on a rural Missouri property. The horse, which had just been delivered, was started by dogs belonging to the property owners. Maldonado had requested the dogs be secured, but they were not, leading to the incident. 

A Carter County jury returned a $1 million verdict in favor of Maldonado, assigning 50% fault to the defendants and 50% comparative fault to the plaintiff, resulting in a final award of $500,000. The verdict included compensation for past and future medical care and emotional distress.

“This verdict acknowledges the seriousness of Maldonado’s injuries and the property owners’ failure to act responsibly,” said attorney Zane Privette. “We respect the jury’s decision and are proud to have helped our client be heard.” 

Substantial Settlement Reached for Privacy Invasion – 2024

To close out the year, Privette Law Office secured a significant settlement on behalf of its clients in a privacy invasion matter. The details of the case are subject to confidentiality provisions and cannot be disclosed to the public; however, on behalf of Privette Law Office, Bailey Privette noted, “this settlement represents the closing of a chapter for our clients who suffered unimaginable trauma and begins a new chapter of healing and moving forward in their lives.”