In February 2014, a young woman was killed on a movie set in Georgia. The woman was part of a film crew and was helping set up for a scene. The crew setting up did not have permission to be on a particular set of train tracks and a train came barreling down the track. That train struck the woman, ending her life.
On July 17, over three years after the accident took place, a jury awarded $11.2 million to the woman’s parents. The director of “Midnight Rider” accepted a plea deal after being criminally charged. He served less than two years of his incarceration and is currently on probation. Shortly after their daughter’s death, her parents filed a civil lawsuit for wrongful death. Several parties were named as plaintiffs in the lawsuit.
The jury allocated liability as follows: 35 percent to CSX, 28 percent to the director, and 18 percent to the corporation who owns the land on which the tracks lay, two other people for 7 percent combined, and the producer for 5 percent. The verdict from the jury came only days after an accident on the set of “The Walking Dead” in which a stuntman tragically lost his life.
If a loved one has been killed in an accident in Atlanta due to someone’s negligence or error, you may have the legal elements necessary for a successful wrongful death lawsuit. Reach out to our office today to schedule an appointment for a free case evaluation. We will review the details of the accident and advise you of your options, including your right to seek compensation.