High Profile Wrongful Death Lawsuit Dismissed.

Sometimes, tragic accidents resulting in death are relatively clear-cut in terms of who is responsible. More often, however, these cases are highly nuanced and open to multiple interpretations. Such cases force judges and lawyers to grapple with questions surrounding morality and fault, within the context of the governing law. These gripping and tragic cases occasionally attract public attention, allowing non-lawyers and non-judges to decide for themselves who is really at fault.

One such case revolves around the death of 18 year old Conrad Roy III, who killed himself by filling up his truck with carbon monoxide in an empty parking lot. Although tragic in its own right, the controversy in this story comes from 22 year old Michelle Carter, who was Roy’s girlfriend at the time. Carter allegedly texted Roy encouragement for committing suicide, going so far as to suggest he get back in the car once he started having second thoughts.

Carter was convicted of involuntary manslaughter as part of criminal proceedings against her. The state emphasized that Carter should have called the police or Roy’s family instead of encouraging him to continue, while Carter’s attorneys focused on the depressive state of both individuals.

After being convicted, Carter also faced a wrongful death claim from Roy’s family. Although attorneys for both parties have been tight-lipped about the resolution of the civil case, there is at least indication that “dismissal has been stipulated,” likely the result of an out of court settlement agreement.

If a loved one has died as the result of negligent behavior, you may be entitled to significant monetary relief. Act now and contact an expert wrongful death attorney here at the Law Offices of Gilbert R. Hoy, Jr. and Affiliates to discuss your potential claim. Call our Massachusetts attorney professionals today at 617-787-3700 or email us at info@gilhoylaw.com for your free and private consultation. Your needs are our top priority!

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West Virginia University Settles Wrongful Death Lawsuit Involving Fraternity Hazing For $3 Million.

Fraternity culture has been the subject of increased scrutiny over the last several years. Attracting particular attention are the hazing ceremonies, in which new members of the fraternity are forced to participate in various activities, often involving heavy drinking. The danger of such practices has been well documented, as new fraternity members have died while participating in hazing rituals. In such a situation, it would be wise to contact an expert wrongful death attorney at 617-787-3700.

According to recently published court documents, the estate of Nolan Burch, a West Virginia University student who died during a fraternity-related event, has agreed to settle its wrongful death lawsuit against the University for $3 million. The documents identify the Kappa Sigma Fraternity as a party to the lawsuit, and the complaint alleged that Burch died during one of its pledge events.

The fraternity, the University, and the landlords of the property on which Burch’s death occurred, all payed out sums to Burch’s family, while two individual members of the fraternity also paid out undisclosed sums. Although the exact details surrounding Burch’s death are not known, it is clear that heavy drinking played a major role, as one of the fraternity members who contributed to the settlement was identified as having given Burch a bottle of liquor on the night in question. Burch’s estate was represented by Brewer and Giggenbach, PLLC, a Morgantown, WV law firm.

If a loved one has been killed as the result of the negligent behavior of another, you may be entitled to significant monetary relief. Act now and contact an expert wrongful death attorney here at the Law Offices of Gilbert R. Hoy, Jr. and Affiliates to discuss your potential claim. Call our Massachusetts injury attorney professionals today at 617-787-3700 or email us at info@gilhoylaw.com for your free and private consultation. Your needs are our top priority!

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Family Of Former NFL Great Junior Seau Drops Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against League.

With the recent insights into the adverse effects that multiple concussions can have on long term health, fans and players alike have been imploring the National Football League to explore options that would reduce impacts directly to the head. NFL players are frequently concussed, and the overarching fear is that these concussions will one day culminate in the development of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease commonly found in athletes.

CTE is so harmful that it reportedly has caused more than one former NFL player to commit suicide after the disease spread. This was the tragic case for former New England Patriots’ player Junior Seau, whose family attempted to sue the NFL for Seau’s wrongful death. The allegations linked the concussions that Seau suffered during his playing time to his development of CTE and subsequent suicide. The family was represented by attorney Steven Strauss of Cooley LLP.

Junior Seau’s family has, however, announced that they will settle out of the court with the NFL, officially dropping their wrongful death lawsuit against the league. With the family of Seau initiating legal action against the league, it will be interesting to see how many others follow suit. One possibility is that the threat of litigation from the families of former NFL players will catalyze the league’s efforts to make the sport safer, particular with regards to blows to the head.

If a loved one has been killed as the result of the negligent behavior of another, you may be entitled to significant monetary relief. Act now and contact an expert wrongful death attorney here at the Law Offices of Gilbert R. Hoy, Jr. and Affiliates to discuss your potential claim. Call our Boston injury attorneys today at 617-787-3700 or email us at info@gilhoylaw.com for your free and private consultation. Your needs are our top priority!

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