The family of a Joplin man who was struck by a Newton County Sheriff's Office patrol car July 7, 2022 and died three days later at Freeman West Hospital will receive a $538,755 settlement, according to an order filed November 23 in Jasper County Circuit Court.
Ryan Hunnell, 44, was on a bicycle traveling eastbound on East 32nd Street in Joplin in the outside lane between Connecticut and Finley Avenue when he was struck from behind by the patrol car.
The defendants in the wrongful death lawsuit were Sheriff Chris Jennings, the Newton County Commission and William Watkins.
Despite the settlement, Newton County officials deny any wrongdoing or negligence.
Defendants have denied and continue to deny any and all liability in this matter. However, taking into consideration the expense, delay, and uncertainty of the case, the Defendants have offered to pay to the Class One Members and all those entitled bring a lawsuit concerning the death of Decedent and/or to share in the proceeds of the settlement, the amounts set forth in the Verified Application for Approval of Wrongful Death and Minor’s Settlement in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Release agreed to between the parties.
The lawsuit claimed the deputy driving the patrol car "breached his duty of care by not doing the following:
a. Failing to keep a careful lookout;b. Failing to yield to a bicyclist;
c. Failing to drive at a speed safe for conditions;
d. Striking decedent’s bicycle in the rear;
e. Failing to swerve, slacken speed or sound a warning prior to the collision;
f. Failing to drive within the marked lanes of the roadway;
g. Failing to yield
According to the order, Hunnell's daughter will receive 40 percent of the settlement, with his wife and father each receiving 30 percent.
Twenty-five percent of the daughter's portion of the settlement, 37.5 percent of the father's portion and 36 percent of the wife's portion will go to attorney fees.
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