Losing a family member is one of the most tragic things a person can experience. The feelings of loss and sadness can be compounded when that family member’s death is prematurely caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. While nothing can be done to bring back a loved one, a personal injury lawsuit may be a way to hold a negligent party accountable.
Those who wrongfully lose a family member may recover for loss of companionship damages, and sometimes for punitive damages: extra damages for which a person or entity may be held liable that serve as a punishment for particularly egregious misbehavior. In order to receive punitive damages, the plaintiff must show that the defendant’s wrongful actions were intentional, malicious, wanton or grossly negligent. When a loved one has died as a result of someone else’s negligence, it is critical to choose a qualified and experienced Boston, Massachusetts wrongful death lawyer to act on your behalf.
That is precisely what the Collas family is doing after their two-year-old son Curren died in a freak furniture accident while at home. In February of this year, Curren’s mother, Jackie Collas, went into his room to get him ready for breakfast; she saw that Curren’s dresser had fallen over and that all of its contents were spilled on the floor. Jackie looked around the room and could not see Curren, and she quickly became nervous.
After several seconds, Jackie began digging through the clothes dumped out of the dresser and found Curren pinned against his bed by the dresser. She immediately called emergency responders, but Curren had already tragically died. The type of dresser that fell on top of Curren has since been a part of a massive product recall by Ikea, the manufacturer and seller of the dresser. The dresser was recalled because, due to its design, it allegedly has a tendency to tip over when children attempt to climb it, potentially injuring or even killing them. Curren’s family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Ikea alleging that they were negligent in designing and selling a furniture model with such a high likelihood of harm.
If you have tragically lost a family member because of someone else’s negligence, contact one of our Boston wrongful death injury attorney specialists today. You may be entitled to money damages for your personal injuries. Call 617-787-3700 or email info@gilhoylaw.com to learn all about your legal rights. Time may be a factor, so please call today!
