Every year the state of California likely has numerous festivals that the residents and visitors take part in to celebrate or get together and have a fun time. One of these festivals is the Art Walk event. Although these types of events are meant to be enjoyable, there are always dangers present when a large number of people gather together. The dangers that presented themselves at the 2011 Art Walk event tragically resulted in the death of a three-month old boy. As a result, the parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit to recover compensation for their loss.
According to the parents’ lawsuit, the city neglected putting up traffic barriers at the event that was attended by tens of thousands of people. The young boy was at the Art Walk with his parents when his stroller was struck by a vehicle that was attempting to parallel park. Two other people were also struck in the accident. The young boy was thrown from his stroller and suffered fatal injuries as a result.
The lawsuit names not only the city of Los Angeles but also the event organizers, the alleged owner of the car and the driver of the car as defendants. The claims include wrongful death, negligent infliction of emotional distress, negligent entrustment of a vehicle and negligence. As a result of the lawsuit, the City Council has unanimously voted to pay the boy’s parents $500,000 to settle out-of-court.
The loss of a loved one is always a tragic occurrence. However, it can be especially confusing and difficult to deal with when the loss is unexpected and due to the negligence of another individual or party. When this is the case, the surviving family members often times have a cause of action to seek compensation by filing a wrongful death lawsuit, as was the case for this family that so tragically lost their young son.
Source: CBS Los Angeles, “City Council Agrees To Pay Couple Whose Baby Was Killed At Art Walk Event $500K,” March 19, 2014
Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed
