Montana City Spent $21K Defending Against Rehberg Suit
The city of Billings, Mont., says it spent nearly $21,000 defending itself against a lawsuit filed by U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg and his wife that alleged negligence by the city’s fire department in 2008 led to more damage after a wildfire at the Rehberg Ranch Estates subdivision.
The Billings Gazette reports the city released the information Tuesday at the request of the campaign of Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, who is being challenged by Rehberg in the 2012 election.
The Rehbergs dropped the lawsuit in November. Attorney Cliff Edwards said the issue had become too politicized.
Deputy City Attorney Craig Hensel said the city’s insurance pool hired attorney Michele Braukmann. The city was billed for 151.8 hours of Braukmann’s time, for $20,638.50, plus $123.10 in costs.
- Florida’s Home Insurance Industry May Be Worse Than Anyone Realizes
- Work Safety Group Releases List of ‘Dirty Dozen’ Employers
- South Carolina Allows Out-of-State Adjusters After Massive Hail Storm
- Report: Claims Handlers Embracing Technology
- Mother of 8-Year-Old ‘Violently Sucked’ into Houston Hotel Pool Files Wrongful Death Suit
- California Chiropractor Sentenced to 54 Years for $150M Workers’ Comp Scheme
- Ship Owner in Bridge Collapse Seeks to Limit Its Liability
- Report: Vehicle Complexity, Labor ‘Reshaping’ Auto Insurance and Collision Repair