The unexpected loss of a loved one is always tragic and difficult to recover from emotionally and sometimes financially. When this unexpected death is caused by the negligence of another party, it is important that the negligent party is held accountable and the loved ones of the deceased receive compensation to which they are entitled. They can often recover this compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit.
California parents of a student who was killed during an altercation with police are suing a Southern California school for the wrongful death of their son, who was mentally ill. Their 38-year-old son had bipolar disorder and was off of his medication. Three officers were sent to the location of his student housing to take him in for a mental evaluation.
According to reports, the man allegedly became irrational and fought the officers. At some point during the struggle, the man was shot five times by the officers. The parents’ claim states that when their son became irrational, the officers should have called a mental health professional to assist them. However, instead they let the level of tension and violence escalate and therefore used unreasonably excessive force on their son.
The lawsuit claims not only that the boy’s death was wrongful, but also that he was the victim of negligent behavior that was a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Situations like this are tragic, and it is important that the loved ones of the deceased take the necessary action to “right the wrong.” No one should be allowed to get away with negligent behavior that causes the death of another human being. Thankfully, a wrongful death lawsuit can often help bring justice to the situation. Although it will not bring back a lost loved one, it may make coping with the loss just a little bit easier.
Source: The Sacramento Bee, “So. Calif. school sued over student’s police death,” March 6, 2013
Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed
