(WWJ) More than two years after a shooting at Michigan State University, attorneys for three survivors have announced a $29.75 million settlement with the school.
Three students, Arielle Anderson, Brian Fraser and Alexandria Verner were shot and killed in the February 2023 shooting that left five others injured.
Mick Grewal from Grewal Law, who represented two students, Nate Statly and Troy Forbush, said the settlement includes $14.25 million for Statly who was shot in the head and suffered brain injuries requiring ongoing care. The money was for physical injuries, pain and suffering, emotional harm and impairment and limitation.
Forbush was shot in the chest. He suffered a serious lung injury that required surgery and rehab therapy. His settlement is for $2.5 million.
The third settlement was for Yukai "John" Hao, who was shot in the back and is paralyzed from the chest down.
He'll receive $13 million for his physical injuries, pain and suffering, emotional harm, and impairment and limitation. Attorneys say MSU has additionally agreed to waive tuition, room, and board, and provide health insurance for Hao, throughout the completion of both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from MSU. He is studying economics at MSU.
Grewal tells WWJ legal analyst Charlie Langton this case was different from the Oxford High School shooting where the courts dismissed cases involving families of the victims.
"Our case was a little bit different because we had theories that the university had prior knowledge with regard to the defective nature of the building where the shootings occurred," Grewal said. "So there is a building exception we filed in our proof of claim to the Court of Claims and we entered into mediation and you know I'll have to say one of the few times that the University as an institution did the right thing short of litigation, Michigan State sat down and we reached a settlement."
Grewal says there were indications that complaints were filed earlier that the buildings were not safe and doors wouldn't lock.
After the shooting, the university started to put locks on doors.
The families of Anderson, Fraser and Verner each received a $5 million settlement with the school last Spring.
MSU released the following statement on Tuesday:
“Michigan State University understands the depth of the impact of the events of February 13 and extends our deepest condolences to those injured and to their families and loved ones. Our university community stands with them and continues to work with them as they heal and recover from the tragedy. While the university cannot comment on any specific settlements, we truly hope reaching a resolution helps provide some measure of relief, support and care to impacted individuals and their families.”