It’s Over!  Helen Bailey and JP Morgan Chase Reach Confidential Settlement that Allows Ms. Bailey to Remain in her Home

78 Year Old Disabled Nashville Widow Avoids Foreclosure Sale

The Rocky McElhaney Law Firm is happy to announce that Ms. Helen Bailey will be living in her home of 20 years for the rest of her life.  On Friday, February 10, 2012, RML Associate Steven Fifield finalized an agreement with representatives for JP Morgan Chase to allow Ms. Bailey to remain in her home in north Nashville.  While the terms of the agreement are confidential and the final paperwork incomplete, the threat of a sale at foreclosure has ended, and Ms. Bailey will be able to live out her days knowing no one will force her out of her home. Currently, there are over 80,000 signatures on Change.org’s online Economic Justice Petition to help Ms. Bailey.

“This is a great day for Ms. Bailey and we are thankful that Chase chose to work with us,” said Steven Fifield, the firm’s lead attorney for Ms. Bailey’s case.  “The housing crisis continues to affect the lives of countless people.  Ms. Bailey has given a voice to the voiceless.”

According to RML Firm founder Rocky McElhaney, his firm “has represented the 99% for over a decade now.  Saving Ms. Bailey’s home was important to us, because we realize that every day citizens in Tennessee face problems that seem insurmountable, whether they are the victim of foreclosure, a workers’ compensation insurance company that tries to deny needed treatment, or have been left disabled by an automobile collision.”  Mr. McElhaney promises that his firm will continue to work for people like Helen.  “As long as banks and insurance companies continue to act in the interest of their own bottom line instead of the interest of the citizens of Tennessee, the Rocky McElhaney Law Firm will stand with people like Helen Bailey.”  The firm handled Ms. Bailey’s matter pro bono.

When Ms. Bailey heard the news, she was overcome with relief.  “Oh my goodness, I knew the good Lord would answer my prayers.  Rocky and Steve have stood by me, and I feel like a weight has gone from my shoulders.  I love my home and my community and I am so blessed to be able to stay here. I am thankful for the support of my neighbors and the nation.”  She offered a special thank you to Chase.

Mr. Fifield says that the process of a reverse mortgage to finalize Ms. Bailey’s ability to stay in the home is underway, and all the paperwork should be finalized by mid-March.  He says the next fight is to make sure Ms. Bailey has enough money to pay her property taxes and homeowners’ insurance every year since the two daughters that purchased the home with her moved out and ceased helping Ms. Bailey with the bills.  According to Fifield, “we are in the process of setting up a bank account to hold in trust any and all funds donated by Ms. Bailey’s supporters to make sure she does not run afoul of Metro with those taxes each year.”  Anyone interested in making a donation for Ms. Bailey should contact Mr. Fifield at (615) 425-2500 or steven@rockylawfirm.com.

The firm plans to partner with Occupy Nashville’s foreclosure unit to hold a celebration event at Helen’s home in the near future.  The Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, currently located at 1311 Sixth Avenue North, Nashville, Tennessee 37208, specializes in personal injury and workers’ compensation claims, and can be reached at 615-425-2500.