What a Nebraska Accident Can Teach Us About Liability
Last July, a tragic accident occurred in a construction zone on Interstate 80. The accident left two parents and their three children dead.
According to WOWT channel 6, Kathrynn Pals and Gordon Engel, grandparents of the deceased, are suing driver Tony Weekly, Jr. They accuse him of killing their family in the accident. This wrongful death suit has been filled in the U.S. Federal Court.
Weekly is also being charged with motor vehicle homicide in Keith County.
Wrongful death cases often have complex factors concerning liability. This case is a great example. Let's explore.
Liability in Wrongful Death
A wrongful death claim basically alleges that another person or entity caused the victim's death through negligence. Liability-that is, legal and financial responsibility to the survivors-can be proven if negligence can be proven. In this accident, the grandparents are not stopping at the driver-they are also filing suit against the company the driver worked for, as well as two companies involved in the construction site where the accident occurred.
Do they have a strong case? Possibly. Pals and Engel's lawsuit states that Bohren Logistics, the trucking company, should have never hired Weekly, due to his bad driving record. That makes sense, especially considering the regulations that driving companies must follow to legally operate. If Bohren Logistics is found negligent in the hiring of Weekly, then it is certainly liable to pay for his mistakes.
The grandparents are also suing Interstate Highway Construction Inc. and D.P. Sawyer Inc., claiming that construction caused traffic to slow down or stop frequently, which contributed to the accident.
While this connection may not seem strong at the moment, if there is evidence that construction conditions played a role in the accident, those companies could be held responsible if negligence was involved. If an investigation finds any violations at the construction site, the companies could be in big trouble.
Seeking Legal Compensation for Wrongful Death
Wrongful death cases can be financially draining and emotionally difficult.
It is for this reason that you need both compassionate and experienced lawyers to help with your case. At Cullan & Cullan LLC, we have experience with difficult wrongful death cases. If you feel you have a wrongful death case, call us at (402) 882-7080 for a free consultation. We are here to help you obtain the justice that you deserve.