Some Widely Known Wrongful Death Cases
Families choose to file wrongful death claims for many different reasons. Sometimes they need recompense for major financial losses related to a death. Sometimes they are trying to bring public attention to a certain health hazard or unjust action. Lastly, many plaintiffs in these claims just want to see negligent or malicious parties face some kind of consequences for their actions.
Over the years, some of these lawsuits have gained a degree of national and even worldwide attention. In this article, we will review some of the most famous wrongful death claims filed in the United States. If you have any questions about the laws or procedures of a Pennsylvania wrongful death claim, contact the Pennsylvania wrongful death attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 610-667-7511.
Three Notorious Lawsuits
Three wrongful death claims that garnered national attention (and in some cases lead to lasting social or legal changes) are discussed below:
- The Gray and Grimshaw families versus Ford Motor Company: In 1972, a woman was killed and a young boy severely injured when a car struck their Ford Pinto automobile. The car caught fire due to a defectively designed fuel system, which the company was accused of knowing about. The case not only resulted in significant compensation for the plaintiffs, but in raised awareness of the risks of corporate negligence.
- The Brown and Goldman families versus O.J. Simpson: The trial of former football player O.J. Simpson, accused of murdering his wife and another man, was one of the most closely followed criminal trials in US history. Although he was found innocent in criminal court, relatives of the two victims were able to successfully sue him for wrongful death in 1997.
- The Duckett family versus Nancy Grace and CNN: Melinda Duckett appeared on Grace’s popular CNN show in 2006 to discuss her missing two year old son. On the show, Grace subjected Duckett to intense questioning and accusations of hiding information from the media. The next day, Duckett committed suicide before the episode was aired. In a case that is still pending, Duckett’s family is accusing Grace of intentional infliction of emotional distress leading to Duckett’s death.
Building a strong wrongful death claim is not an easy undertaking. If you have lost a loved one due to another party’s negligence, our Pennsylvania wrongful death attorneys can help.
Contact Us
The Pennsylvania wrongful death lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. have years of experience helping grieving families seek the justice they deserve. Contact us at 610-667-7511.