Wrongful Death Added to $20 Million Lawsuit
The mother of a well-known male disc jockey has recently added a wrongful death claim to a $20 million lawsuit filed against several parties for a plane crash that occurred last year. The incident killed four people and left the disc jockey and his friend severely burned. The disc jockey, who was reportedly sober for a decade, began using prescription drugs to overcome the trauma and pain caused by the accident. On August 28, 2009 he was found dead in his apartment as a result of an accidental overdose.
The claim asserts that his drug relapse and death were direct results of the plane crash. Learjet, one of the accused parties, denies any fault attributed to the disc jockey’s death. The case filed by the disc jockey in September 2008 included pain and suffering, lost earnings, past and future medical and health-related expenses, and property and punitive damages. The trial will begin March 2, 2010.
Wrongful death encompasses all deaths caused by negligent, intentional and reckless acts. In the disc jockey’s case, the claim states that the defendants decided to abort takeoff in a negligent manner after the plane’s tire blew out on the runway.
In wrongful death lawsuits, the claimant is required to prove fault, which can be a difficult and complicated process. Although monetary compensation will not bring back a loved one, it can ease a family’s suffering by attributing the responsibility for all costs related to the accident to the negligent party. It can also send a message to the entity at fault that negligent behavior that leads to the death of innocent individuals will not be tolerated in our society.
If you feel you have a wrongful death case in Missouri, do not hesitate to contact a professional St. Louis attorney at Page Cagle for a free consultation. Our Missouri wrongful death attorneys will investigate your case, helping to determine your rights to compensation.
Source: http://www.livedaily.com/news/dj-am-s-mother-files-wrongful-death-claim-20718.html
