Family files wrongful death suit after child’s death

After a 6-year-old girl lost her life, her family decided to take legal action. The family has filed a wrongful death suit against a Virginia utility company, claiming that the company’s negligence led to the girl’s death. The family seeks $200 million in damages for the loss of their loved one.

On May 27, 2013, the young girl went fishing with her grandfather at the recreation area of Lake Anna. That day, the lake water was being used to cool a nearby power plant. However, the girl’s family claims that the utility company failed to notify visitors of the potential dangers that occur as a result of the process, including strong lake currents.

When the girl and her grandfather approached the lake, the girl fell through a gap in the fence that encircled the lake. The grandfather and another lake-goer attempted to rescue the girl, but they were unable to reach her due to the strong current. The family elected to pursue legal action against the utility company, but as of right now, the company denies financial responsibility for the tragedy.

The family is seeking unspecified damages in their wrongful death suit totalling $200 million. If the suit is successful, the family may be able to achieve the sense that justice was done for their daughter. Any Virginia resident who has lost a loved one and believes the death was the fault of a negligent third party may elect to take similar civil action. To prevail in this type of legal claim, the evidence presented must document negligence on the part of the party sued by a measure of proof known as a preponderance of the evidence.

Source: courthousenews.com, “Va. Utility Faces $200M Wrongful Death Suit”, Charly Himmel, Dec. 31, 2014