[Cboldt]

Martin's estate can bring as many suits as it wants to, and in this case, there are at least two separate targets. The HOA is one target, Zimmerman is another. Obviously, the legal arguments supporting a claim for money damages are different between the two targets. Anyway, the HOA and/or its insurance company or companies figured it was less expensive to settle without a trial.

Crump is slow to sue Zimmerman, because if he does, and a court finds Zimmerman to be immune from suit, then Crump gets an automatic judgement against himself for the costs of defending against his civil suit. The HOA can't get this sort of immunity, because the HOA can't engage in self-defense. Lawful self-defense is only possible by a living, breathing human being.

[Uncle Chip]

IMBW but I see this as a desperate discounted settlement nowhere near a million dollars.

It was done to raise the money for legal expenses that the Scheme Teamers might be now individually be facing. Who knows -- even Witness 8 may be asking for money for her own attorney.

Also there are people who were promised money that are now clammoring for it as the case goes south.

Public relations people and community operatives who organize demonstrations and riots generally want their money upfront, but one way or another they want their money.

And I see Crump deducting his attorney Blackwell's fees past present and future from any payout -- and those could be substantial -- and Blackwell will want those upfront.

Sybrina and Tracey may be getting less out of this than they expected and it may be going to their own attorneys.