Best known for encouraging people to showcase their talents in front of the judging panel and, perhaps, the entire nation, America’s Got Talent has hit the news for reasons other than controversial eliminations. The family of a woman who died from injuries sustained on an America’s Got Talent set are suing the show, NBC Universal, Freemantle Media North America, and the City of Pasadena, for her wrongful deal. Maureen Allen fell from her wheelchair on the set of America’s Got Talent in March 2017 and died from her injuries approximately three months later.
Set Fall Was “a Substantial Factor” in Woman’s Death
According to the lawsuit filed by the family of Maureen Allen, when she fell from her wheelchair in early 2017, she sustained injuries that required hospitalization for multiple reasons and became a substantial factor in her premature death. Allen fell from her wheelchair at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, while volunteering at a science and engineering fair running at the same time as America’s Got Talent auditions were being held at the venue.
As the disabled access points had been obstructed by components of the set, Allen was forced to navigate cabling, which was understandably difficult for the wheelchair-bound woman. Upon falling from the chair, Allen sustained a broken hip, arm injuries, and head injuries which later developed into a blood clot and stroke. Maureen Allen required more than eight procedures and was eventually put on life support, before declining further and eventually passing away.
When Can a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Be Filed?
Before a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed in the Riverside area, certain criteria must be fulfilled. In addition to the death being caused by either negligence or deliberate wrongdoing on the part of another, the person seeking to fail the claim must fall into one of the specified categories.
You may have a valid wrongful death claim where the accident leading to the death of your loved one can be proven to have:
- Been caused by the accused
- Occurred as a direct result of that person’s negligence
- Had a monetary effect on the family of the deceased
- Affected surviving family members
Only an experienced Riverside wrongful death attorney is equipped to navigate the complexities of the legal system, including proving beyond doubt that negligence was a factor in causing the incident. This negligent party can be an individual, a company, or perhaps a government agency. The claim will normally include seeking compensation for economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Your relationship with the deceased will ultimately determine whether you can file a wrongful death lawsuit.
The Law Offices of Howard Kornberg Can Recover Wrongful Death-Related Damages
If you believe that you are eligible to bring a wrongful death lawsuit against a negligent party, you will need legal representation from an esteemed Los Angeles attorney. An initial consultation will allow your attorney to identify whether you may be entitled to recover damages.
To discuss your case with a wrongful death lawyer, call us today at 310-997-0904.