On ️ 2/19/23 Titus was asleep in the grass under an oak tree on our farm, when he was ran over by a truck, and parked on top of. Nichole Putterbaugh, a contracted photographer, was leaving our farm after completing a Calf Mini photos session with our calf, Cocoa.

Titus suffered a comminuted Femur fracture and had to have emergency surgery and orthopedic implants to stabilize his leg. He also suffered a CCL tear as a result of the trauma.

We were forced to file a small claims court case with Lee County on ️May 9, 2023, because Nichole refused to provide us with her Vehicle Insurance information so that we could file a claim for Titus’ medical bills. We did not have an attorney representing us.

Lee County Civil Case # 23-SC-003606

She hired an attorney (who tried to have the case dismissed instead of trying to mediate with us. )On ️ October 26, 2023, the Judge heard us and denied their motion for dismissal and ordered them to provide us with the insurance information, as required by law.

On ️November 27, 2023 Progressive insurance company finally complied with our requests for Nichole’s Vehicle policy information.

On ️ December 6, 2023, an attorney for Progressive Insurance on behalf of Nichole, filed for an extension. On ️ December 13, 2023, we attended mediation, where Nichole’s attorney and an attorney from Progressive, on behalf of Nichole, was present.

The final agreement was that Progressive Insurance would pay out the entire $10,000 Property Damage Claim allowance, Nichole had a $0 deductible under the policy, and that, we could not go after Nichole for any more damages related to Titus’ case.

In the end, the only financial contribution Nichole made, was to her attorney, in an effort to not allow us to recoup any damages from her Vehicle Insurance policy. We will never understand why, with a $0 deductible, it took 10 months and a judge, for us to be given the information.

Lee County Civil Case # 23-SC-003606

Considering the enormity of his bills, ($7,956.67 was the cost of his initial surgery), it was ultimately the best outcome and the only way we were guaranteed to recoup any funds. Enforcing a judgment is not an easy process, from what we understand.

Titus has had a very tough recovery since his injury and in ️October 2024, he suffered a major setback.

He began to be non-weight bearing on his leg. After several veterinary opinions, imaging, and medication trials, it was determined that the hardware that was placed in Titus leg, was now causing him an infection. So the orthopedic surgeon has said we need to remove the hardware.

Since long term antibiotic use isn’t something that is recommended, surgery is something that is needed, soon.

We are asking for help with his surgery costs, if anyone is able. Thank you for taking the time to read his story!

His full story can be found on our Facebook page Whispering Oaks Farm Facebook