3 of the Most Insane Wrongful Death Claims in America

Every year, several families in small cities like Farmington and even large metropolitan cities are forced to take legal actions to receive the compensation they deserve. Wrongful death lawsuits can be some of the most challenging to provide evidence for, and they are also highly time-consuming. 

On the other hand, they can also reap some of the greatest monetary rewards. Here is a look at three of America’s craziest wrongful death lawsuit settlements in history.

David and Anne Drye, 1999

In the summer of 1999, a couple burned to death in a tragic plane crash after departing a regional airport in N.C., reports Mandatory. Their family filed a lawsuit, targeting the pilot and the plane’s engine manufacturers. 

After the family lawyer commissioned a series of engineering studies on the plane’s right engine, researchers found that some pieces had been poorly mounted, which ultimately caused the engine to fail in its crash. Harsh evidence proved the manufacturers liable, and they settled the wrongful death lawsuit at $26 million. 

The Family of Michael Mazurek, 2011

In May 2011, The L.A. Daily Journal says a Calif. jury awarded $17.4 million to the family of a naval surgeon who was killed by an ambulance while riding his bicycle in 2009. People love to ride their bikes in Farmington and elsewhere, so vehicle operators must be alert at all times. 

The ambulance driver was reportedly making a right turn, and failed to signal until the last minute, which ended in disaster for both the driver and Michael Mazurek. The victim spent three weeks in a nearby hospital before he passed away from sustained injuries.

The Family of Jennifer Beglin, 2006

Finally, a jury in Kentucky awarded over $9 million to the family of a woman who died under doctors’ care after surgery in 2003. The woman’s husband sued the hospital and two doctors that performed the operation after there was a serious delay in getting blood to the patient, says Wave 3 News. Unfortunately, the patient passed away after being in a comatose state for three months.

Wrongful death lawsuits are filed for various causes. In Farmington and nationwide, equipment manufacturers, vehicle operators and medical professionals all need to be cautious. Evidently, these claims can be costly not only for the plaintiffs, but also for the at-fault parties.

Aubrey Andersen-Bakker is a legal writer reporter for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Robert J Debry.