Shayla Stevens, the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader who was allegedly assaulted by Da Brat earlier this month, has hired prominent attorneys Willie Gary and CK Hoffler and their firm, Gary, Williams, Finney, Lewis, Watson and Sperando P.L., AllHipHop.com has learned.
Gary and Hoffler’s high powered, Florida-based law firm will represent Stevens against not only Da Brat, but Jermaine Dupri’s new nightclub, Studio 72.
“Our client was physically attacked by Da Brat and has suffered significant head injuries, permanent disfigurement as well as mental distress,” Gary said.
Da Brat, born Shawntae Harris, allegedly struck Stevens with a 1.7 liter bottle of rum during a shoving match in the club in the early hours of November 1.
According to Gary, Stevens has suffered permanent injuries to her face, as well as possible neurological damage.
Additionally, she will miss upcoming games as cheerleader for the Falcons, as well as a scheduled role on Tyler Perry’s House of Payne sitcom.
“Ms. Stevens is a cheerleader, choreographer, dancer, actress and entrepreneur, whose career has been greatly affected by this incident,” Gary said.
Gary, who is nicknamed “The Giant Killer” for his judgments against corporations, is noted for winning a $240 million jury verdict against Walt Disney, for stealing his clients idea for a theme park.
He also claims that the owners of Club 72, hesitated to contact police due to the negative publicity the assault would cause.
A manager who witnessed the assault allegedly failed to help Stevens seek proper medical attention and she was eventually taken to the hospital by a family member.
Gary also said that prior to the assault, club owners and security had the opportunity to remove Da Brat from Club 72, but failed to do so.
Da Brat was charged with aggravated assault. She was released on $50,000 bond as a result of the incident.