In Georgia, news sources report that one civil court case is now closed following the Marshall Square retirement community fire of 2015 but that 14 additional lawsuits remain pending. The parties involved in the property damage lawsuit, which is one of 15 lawsuits that have been filed in connection with the deadly incident, reached a last-minute settlement on Dec. 1. Although few additional details have been released, the settlement was reportedly a “big win” for the plaintiff in this particular case.
However, 21 people are still waiting for justice in connection with other property damage lawsuits alone. In addition to the 12 outstanding property damage suits, sources say that resolution has not yet been achieved in one pain and suffering suit and in one wrongful death suit. One attorney is hopeful that the remaining property damage suits could be negotiated within 30 to 45 days of the earlier settlement. The law firm for the plaintiffs in the other two cases suggests that each could be resolved within the first half of 2017.
In the wrongful death case, blame for the death has been placed on a policy that told residents of the property to remain in their rooms and on emergency responders for not checking the room in question. Attorneys for the plaintiff are seeking at least $15 million in punitive damages in addition to the value of the lost life as determined by jury.
Although a lawsuit cannot restore the life of a loved one who has died in a fatal accident , a monetary award could compensate survivors for their loss and set an example for the future. An attorney who has experience with these matters can outline the types of damages that can be sought in such an action.
Source: wrdw 12, “14 Cases Still Pending in Marshall Square Saga,” Christie Ethridge, Dec. 5, 2016
Source: NewsTimes, “Fire destroys Marshall Square retirement community in Evans,” Steve Crawford and Valerie Rowell, June 2, 2015