A storekeeper seaman in the U.S. Navy was participating in a training exercise on the James River in Virginia (VA) when a barge hit his boat and dragged him underwater into the barge’s propeller.
The family of the naval officer probably realized that this boat accident was not just some random occurrence. If proper precautions had been taken, maybe this tragedy could have been averted. They decided to file a wrongful death claim against Vulcan Materials, the company that owned the barge, and the federal government. After a five-day trial, the court awarded $1.25 million in damages to the family, which included the naval officer’s parents and siblings, according to allbusiness.com.
Congratulations to the attorney, Mike Imprevento, who represented the naval officer in this lawsuit. Wrongful death claims can be extremely difficult since they routinely involve emotionally distraught loved ones and defendants looking to avoid to deny liability.
Our firm has handled numerous wrongful death accident claims so we fully appreciate these challenges and are pleased when a court sides in favor of the family who is seeking justice for the sudden, unexpected loss of a loved one.
About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm (VA-NC law offices ) edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono service to consumers. PA
