A lawsuit was recently filed by a Massachusetts family stemming from a fatal accident that occurred approximately an hour east of the Worcester area. The family of a man struck and killed by a taxi cab filed the lawsuit against the taxi cab driver and the taxi cab company. The 44-year old victim was struck by the taxi cab as the driver made a u-turn in a parking lot. The victim has four children and two grandchildren.
The 23-year old taxi cab driver was arrested following the crash and charged with driving with an expired license and failing to use care when turning. The accident remains under investigation and a reconstruction investigation has also taken place. The lawsuit alleges the taxi cab driver was grossly negligent and accuses the taxi cab company of negligent hiring and supervision of the taxi cab driver. The victim’s family is seeking wrongful death damages.
Wrongful death damages are intended to help families that have suffered the unexpected loss of a loved one. Families may suffer the loss of support and services, as well as the lost prospect of inheritance, following the unexpected loss of the income-earning family member. In addition, family members may face medical expenses, funeral expenses and pain and suffering damages. Depending on the circumstances, a number of different types of damages may be available to surviving family members. Wrongful death damages also take into account the characteristics and age of the victim, as well as other factors, to ensure the surviving family members are properly compensated.
Losing a loved one to the negligence of another party can be an unthinkable challenge. Wrongful death claims are available to aid with some of the damages and uncertainty surviving family members face after the unexpected loss of a loved one.
Source: The Salem News, “Wrongful death suit filed against driver Marlon Reyes-Polanco and Salem Taxi Co.,” Julie Manganis, April 20, 2015
