North Carolina Injury Lawyer Blog

A North Carolina sheriff’s deputy Steven Boehm and firefighter Gene Thomas died on Saturday after being struck by an 18-wheeler truck. The fatal accident took place on a coastal highway near a burn site at Marine Corps Base Camp in Oslow County. Bill Hall, a second deputy, sustained minor injuries from the crash.

Reduced visibility, caused by fog and smoke from the burn, may have played a role.
The truck driver, Fayetteville resident Robert Kornegay, was charged with exceeding a safe speed and two counts of misdemeanor death by vehicle.

18-wheeler Tractor-Trailer Accidents
Traffic accidents involving 18-wheeler trucks can lead to serious injuries for those involved. If you or someone you love suffered serious injuries in a collision with an 18-wheeler tractor-trailer in North Carolina or South Carolina, it is important that you hire an experienced truck crash lawyer.

Trucking companies are prepared when it comes to dealing with injury cases, and many of them will aggressively fight to minimize liability. You need a truck collision law firm that is familiar with the state trucking regulations, as well as the regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Our North Carolina truck crash attorneys have successfully represented clients with trucking accident claims and lawsuits. You are entitled to financial recovery for your injuries and losses.

Causes of Tractor-Trailer Accidents include:

• DUI
• Failure to monitor blind spots
• Driver fatigue
• Break or tire failure
• Unsecured cargo
• Speeding
• Driver inattention
• Reckless or careless driving

Do NOT speak to a truck company representative without your lawyer present. Tractor-trailer accidents are usually catastrophic injury accidents.

Potential defendants in a truck accident case may include the truck driver, the trucking company, the owner of the tractor-trailer, the truck leasing company, the truck manufacturer, and other liable parties.

NC Deputy and Firefighter Killed in Tractor-trailer Crash, Efluxmedia.com, June 15, 2008

Officer Down: Deputy Sheriff Steve Boehm, PoliceOne.com, June 14, 2008

Related Web Resources:

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Truck Safety Coalition

Continue reading "18-Wheeler Tractor-Trailer Crash Claims the Lives of a Firefighter and a Sheriff’s Deputy in North Carolina" »

Posted by Michael A. DeMayo | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Personal Injury , Truck Accidents , Wrongful Death

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In North Carolina, the family of Charles Radford Paul III, a 30-year-old Raleigh cop who died in a 2002 motorcycle crash, has settled its wrongful death lawsuit with Harley-Davidson Motor Co. and Raleigh store Ray Price Harley Davidson.

Paul died while chasing a speeding car. A draft from a tractor-trailer he was trying to overtake appeared to have made the motorcycle wobble, causing Radford to drive onto the freeway shoulder where he was thrown from his 2002 Electra Glide motorcycle.

The wrongful death lawsuit, however, says that he lost control of his motorcycle because of a high-speed wobble—a problem that has been encountered by other Harley-Davidson riders and mechanics. While some people believe the wobble is caused by a design defect in certain Harley motorcycles, others cite improper maintenance.

The confidential products liability settlement was made in December, but the lawsuit was not dismissed until last month. Paul’s family also received a workers’ compensation settlement from the city of Raleigh.

Defective motorcycles and motorcycle parts are a frequent cause of motorcycle-related injuries or deaths. Products liability lawsuits involving motorcycle accidents may cite a number of defect issues, such as:

• Defective tires
• Helmet defects
• Brake problems
• Defective pedals
• Stuck throttles
• Problems with the shock absorber
• Chain defect

Compared to other motorists, motorcycle riders are already at higher risk of injury or death when involved in traffic accidents. There is no reason that riders should be placed in greater jeopardy because a motorcycle or one of its parts was defective.

In North Carolina and South Carolina, our products liability law firm can help you pursue your personal injury or wrongful death claim against the negligent party.

Officer's family settles motorcycle suit, News and Observer, June 3, 2008

Related Web Resource:

North Carolina State Motorcycle Laws

Justia.com

Continue reading "North Carolina Family Settles Wrongful Death Lawsuit with Harley-Davidson Motor Co." »

Posted by Michael A. DeMayo | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Wrongful Death

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The family of Emily Elizabeth May, a Raleigh, North Carolina resident who died in a DWI auto crash last year, is suing the city of Fayetteville, Emily's friend Danielle Polumbo, ACS State & Local Solutions Inc., Carolina Hospitality of Florida, Fayetteville Miyabi Inc., and Linden resident Brandi Reaves for wrongful death.

May died on May 17, 2007 while riding in a vehicle driven by Polumbo. According to the North Carolina wrongful death lawsuit, the two girls had dinner at Miyabi Kyoto Japanese Steak and Seafood House before proceeding to Secrets Cabaret. Carolina Hospitality owns the nightclub. Polumbo drank alcohol at both spots, even though she was just 20-years-old. The lawsuit alleges that at the club, Reaves, who knew Polumbo, served her a number of drinks.

Soon after leaving the nightclub, Polumbo ran into the red-light camera pole, which is run by ACS and the city of Fayetteville. The camera dropped onto the car and struck May.

May's family alleges that mounting the camera, which weighed several hundred pounds, on a pole that was designed to “break away” when impacted created an unsafe condition that placed drivers and others on Bragg Boulevard at risk of serious personal injury during a motor vehicle accident.

After the accident, Polumbo’s blood-alcohol level registered at .17%, which is more than double the .08% drunk driving limit. Earlier this year, she pled guilty to reckless driving, DWI, driving after consuming alcohol while under the age of 21, and felony death by vehicle. She was sentenced to 30 days in jail and three years probation.

May’s family is asking for over $10,000 in wrongful death-related damages.

Catastrophic motor vehicle accidents can be complex injury or wrongful death cases that require the skills and knowledge of an experienced North Carolina wrongful death lawyer. In certain instances, more than one negligent party may have contributed to causing the deadly accident. Our North Carolina wrongful death lawyers know how to prove liability so that we can claim damages from all responsible parties.

We can gather evidence, call on accident reconstruction experts, and work with medical experts that can explain how the injury wounds were caused by the accident. We will zealously pursue your wrongful death recovery.

May family files lawsuit in fatal DWI, FayObserver.com, May 16, 2008

North Carolina Drunk Driving Law, About.com

North Carolina Drunk Driving Statistics, Alcohol Alert.com

Continue reading "North Carolina Family Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against City of Fayetteville, Drunk Driver, and Several Others After Daughter is Killed in DWI Motor Vehicle Accident" »

Posted by Michael A. DeMayo | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Wrongful Death

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In North Carolina, the Granville County family of 18-year-old Linsey Lunsford and her 9-year-old sister Maggie are suing the town of Franklinton, Police Officer Michael Dunlap, Police Chief Ray Gilliam and Police Lt. John Green for their wrongful deaths.

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the two sisters died after suspect Guy Christopher Ayscue crashed head-on into their vehicle while fleeing from Dunlap on December 1. Ayscue also died in the deadly auto collision.

Officer Dunlap says the chase began because he tried to apprehend Ayscue, who was driving erratically. Ayscue also reportedly had a criminal record, which included convictions for driving violations, drug and alcohol infractions, assault with a deadly weapon, and robbery.

Investigators say the police chase was going as fast as 90 mph in a 50 mph zone. The 15-mile police chase began on NC Highway 56 and ended on US Highway 15. The wrongful death lawsuit alleges that Dunlap may have been driving as fast as 103 mph at one point.

Franklinton police policy states that police officers engaged in suspect pursuits can at no time drive faster than 20 miles above the posted speed limit. Officer Dunlap was placed on administrative leave after the crash but returned to patrolling the streets in February.

If someone you love has died in a motor vehicle collision caused by another party’s negligence, contact our North Carolina personal injury law firm right away to schedule you free consultation.

In 2003, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that over the past decade, over 3,000 people died because of police car chases. Of the 365 police car chase fatalities in 2001, 140 of the victims were not even directly involved in the actual pursuit. Federal statistics reveal that 40% of police car chases result in motor vehicle accidents.

Our North Carolina wrongful death law firm has the experience and resources to handle even the most complex wrongful death cases. We can help you recover compensation for your losses.

Family Sues Cop, Suspect's Estate in Chase Crash that Killed Sisters, WRAL.com, May 21, 2008

Sisters, Suspect Die in High-Speed Police Chase, NC Wanted, December 1, 2007

Police pressured to call off chase, USA Today, January 1, 2008

Related Web Resources:

The Lawsuit (PDF)

Franklinton Police Pursuit Policy (PDF)

Continue reading "North Carolina Family Sues Franklinton Police Officer For Wrongful Death of Two Daughters in Car Accident Involving Police Car Chase" »

Posted by Michael A. DeMayo | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Car Accidents , Wrongful Death

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In Pitt County, North Carolina, a grand jury this week indicted two men involved in separate deadly motor vehicle accidents that took place earlier this year.

Pablo Delacruz, was speeding in his Chevrolet Camaro on March 22 when he hit Harold Mills, a 75-year-old man on a bicycle. Mills was declared dead soon after he arrived at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. Delacruz had fled the accident scene but was tracked down by police after a witness wrote down his car’s license plate number.

DelaCruz was indicted for felony hit and run that caused personal injury and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle.

In the second fatal car accident, Danny Ellis Vick was driving his BMW headed north on NC 43 in Falkland Township on January 23 when he hit a car driven by 33-year-old Frankie Peaden after crossing the center line and hitting Peaden’s 1995 Toyota in a head-on collision. The North Carolina Highway Patrol says that Vick was driving under the influence of drugs.

At the time of the car accident, Vick was on parole after serving time in prison for robbery-related convictions. He was indicted this week on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and felony death by motor vehicle.

If someone you love was killed in a motor vehicle accident caused by another party’s negligence, not only can the responsible party be charged and convicted for committing a crime, but the driver may also be held liable in civil court.

In North Carolina and South Carolina, our North Carolina wrongful death law firm has helped many families recover damages from the responsible party for their loved ones’ deaths. We have successfully represented the surviving family members of people killed in truck accidents, train accidents, car accidents, bus crashes, and motorcycle collisions. We also have represented mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, husbands, and wives of people that died because of a defective product, a work-related accident, a premises liability-related crime, or any other injury accident caused by the negligence of someone else.

Two drivers from fatal wrecks indicted, The Daily Reflector, April 17, 2008

Hearing set for man in fatal wreck, The Daily Southerner, January 30, 2008

Greenville Police Investigating Hit and Run, WNCT.com, March 22, 2008

Related Web Resources:

Head-On Collisions

Things You May Not Know About Hit and Run Accidents, Deadly Roads

Continue reading "Pitt County Grand Jury Indicts North Carolina Two Drivers Involved in Separate Deadly Car Accidents" »

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Posted In: Car Accidents , Wrongful Death

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In North Carolina, Melissa White is suing the Stokes County Department of Social Services for wrongful death. Her sons, Jeffrey, 4, and Jacob, 3, White, drowned in the Dan River in 2006 after the social services department had taken the boys from their home and placed them under their paternal grandparents’ care. Melissa is seeking over $10,000 in damages on behalf of her sons’ estate.

The wrongful death lawsuit claims that the department acted negligently when it placed the boys under the charge of their grandparents, who were suffering from poor health and were not in the proper physical shape to oversee the two boys.

Melissa is also accusing the DSS and its social workers of failing to send the boys to a safe place. The lawsuit contends that the department’s negligence resulted in the boys’ drowning deaths. They were 4 and 3 years old at the time.

Custody of the boys was given to the grandparents following complaints that domestic violence was taking place in their own home and an investigation followed. Melissa and the boys' father, Jeffrey, Sr., are now divorced.

The two boys disappeared four months after being placed in their grandparents’ care. Their bodies were found in the river three days after their disappearance.

Last November, a state child-fatality review found that their were gaps in the services provided to protect the children and that the Stokes County DSS was working on more cases at a time than is normally recommended. The review also determined that the department did not properly review the danger risks that the kids actually faced in their parents' home.

Our North Carolina and South Carolina personal injury law firm has helped many families recover damages for the untimely deaths of their loved ones.

In North Carolina, plaintiffs have two years from the time of a loved one’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

The DSS has filed a motion to have the case dismissed.

A good way to determine whether you have grounds to file a wrongful death claim is to speak to one of our wrongful death attorneys during your free consultation.

Mother sues Stokes over deaths, Journalnow.com, March 15, 2008

Parents Of Boys Who Drowned File Wrongful Death Lawsuit, WXII12.dom, March 14, 2008

Related Web Resources:

Stokes County, North Carolina Department of Social Services

North Carolina Division of Social Services

Continue reading "North Carolina Parents File Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Stokes County Department of Social Services For Son’s Drowning Deaths" »

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Darryl Wayne Turner, a 17-year-old Charlotte, North Carolina teenager, died on Friday after police shocked him with a Taser. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police had been called to a local Food Lion store where the teenager worked as a bagger and a cashier.

The police say that Turner appeared agitated and threw something at a manager. Police Officer Jerry Dawson Jr. reportedly used a Taser gun to apprehend Turner.

He became unresponsive after being shocked by the gun. Turner was later pronounced dead at Carolinas Medical Center-University. According to the Medical Examiner’s office, preliminary autopsy results found no obvious cause of death.

No details about how many times Turner was shocked or whether he was armed at the time of the confrontation were available on Friday because many administrators were off for the Easter weekend.

Turner’s death is the first Taser-related fatality involving the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. The teenager had no previous criminal record.

The use of Tasers by law enforcement officers throughout the US has become an issue—as more and more cops use the electrical current-shocking device to temporarily stun people. Although Tasers are popular because many people believe that the device can cause less harm to a suspect than a gun or baton, there have been reports of injuries or death resulting from Taser use. There also have been reported incidents of police allegedly using the stun guns without proper provocation.

Over 7,000 US police officers are armed with Tasers. Even though a recent Forest University School of Medicine study found that these stun guns are generally safe for use, Amnesty International is still asking for more investigations into Taser safety. A 2007 report by the group counted 245 Taser-related deaths in the US—many because of cardiac arrest.

If you or someone you love was seriously injured because of what you believe was excessive or unnecessary force on the part of a law enforcement officer, you may be able to file a police brutality claim or lawsuit. Our North Carolina personal injury law firm would like to offer you a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

Teen dies after Taser strike, MyrtleBeachOnline.com, March 22, 2008

Charlotte Detectives Continue Investigation Into Teen’s Death Being Hit With A Taser, WSOCtv.com, March 21, 2008

Are Tasers safe?, CNN.com, October 8, 2007

Related Web Resource:

Taser

Continue reading "Charlotte, North Carolina Teenager Dies After Police Apprehend Him with Taser" »

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In North Carolina, Jeffrey Mertz is suing the REACH Shelter of Jackson County, a Sylvia domestic violence shelter for women, for the murder of his mother, Bonnie Woodring.

Mertz is accusing the shelter of not providing adequate security in September 2006 to prevent his stepfather, John "Woody" Woodring, from locating and entering the shelter.

Mertz was 13 at the time of the murder. He says that the REACH shelter did not take the necessary steps that could have prevented his stepfather from finding the shelter’s address.

In his lawsuit, Mertz says that one of the shelter’s employees had purposely left a side door unlocked so another employee could enter the premise. The unlocked door allowed Woodring to enter the shelter without permission. He was carrying a sawed off shotgun.

Woodring had threatened to kill Bonnie just three days earlier.

Mertz is suing REACH for $75,000 for failing to provide his mother with shelter. He says that suffered serious anguish from having to witness his mother’s dead body.

Premises Liability Cases
Property and premise owners are legally obligated to ensure that they maintain and provide a safe environment for patrons, visitors, residents, and/or workers where conditions are safe and there is adequate security. Each state has its own laws about how to determine liability on the part of the premise owner or manager.

Common kinds of premises liability cases include inadequate security cases, slip and fall cases, falling merchandise cases, and a defective product on a premise.

If you or someone you love was seriously injured on another party’s premise in North Carolina or South Carolina, contact our premises liability law firm today to discuss your personal injury case.

Son Of Victim Files Lawsuit Against Women's Shelter, News Channel 7, March 11, 2008

Family sues shelter where woman was slain, Citizen-Times, March 11, 2008

Related Web Resources:

Sylva woman shot to death at shelter for women, Citizen-Times.com, December 20, 2006

REACH of Jackson County

Continue reading "Teenage Son Files Lawsuit Against North Carolina Domestic Violence Shelter For Mother’s Murder" »

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Posted In: Premises Liability , Wrongful Death

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Amy Yasbeck, the wife of late actor John Ritter, resumed her testimony today in the wrongful death trial against the two doctors who treated her husband before his death. Yasbeck and Ritter’s children are suing radiologist Matthew Lotysch and cardiologist Joseph Lee for $67 million. Ritter died in 2003 from a torn aorta.

The Ritter family is accusing both doctors of failing to diagnose and provide the proper medical care for Ritter that could have saved his life. They say that Lotysch failed to detect an enlarged aorta during a 2001 scan and that Lee made a fatal error when he treated the actor for a heart attack instead of an aortic dissection on the day that he arrived at the emergency room in 2003.

Lotysch disputes their claim. During his testimony last week, he said that he told Ritter that the actor should see a specialist because he had triple vessel coronary disease. He also says that Ritter’s aorta looked normal at the time of the scan. Yasbeck claims that Ritter believed the scan results showed that he was in good health.

On Friday, jury members heard a voice message that Ritter left for his wife telling her that he was going to seek medical attention for what he believed was food poisoning. He died in the emergency room later that day.

Henry Winkler, Ritter’s friend, and Katey Segal, his co-star on the show "8 Simple Rules ... for Dating My Teenage Daughter,” also submitted their testimonies on behalf of the plaintiffs. The show was considered a hit and Ritter’s family believes he would have made over $67 million if he had continued to appear on the show had he lived.

Ritter was a beloved film and television actor who also starred in the hit TV show "Three’s Company." He died on September 11, 2003 at age 54.

Failure to diagnose, wrongful diagnosis, delayed diagnosis, providing a patient with the wrong medical treatment, surgical errors, and prescription errors are all too common forms of medical malpractice.

If you believe that you have been the victim of a medical error by a doctor, a nurse, or another medical provider In North Carolina or South Carolina, one of our medical malpractice attorneys can meet with you to discuss your case.

John Ritter's widow, ex-wife testify in wrongful-death lawsuit, USA Today, March 3, 2008

Ritter Speaks at Wrongful-Death Trial, EOnline, February 29, 2008

Winkler testifies at Ritter trial, Los Angeles Times, February 14, 2008

Related Web Resources:

Actor John Ritter dead at 54, CNN.com, September 12, 2003

John Ritter, IMDB.com

Continue reading "John Ritter’s Wife Actress Amy Yasbeck Testifies During Wrongful Death Trial" »

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Posted In: Medical Malpractice , Wrongful Death

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A report released by AAA Carolina ranks the most dangerous places to drive in North Carolina. Haywood County was named the place where there is the “Best chance of being in a collision” under the category “Top 5 Dangerous Counties for Tractor-Trailers.”

Haywood’s Interstate 40, which is winding and narrowly built, is one of the reasons for the high motor vehicle crash rate. The I-40 once was once known for having the highest rate of tractor-trailer crashes in the United States.

The large amount of traffic—in particular, tractor-trailers—that pass through the area is another reason that so many accidents occur. The cold weather can cause the roads and tunnels to become icy.

Swain County and Graham County ranked at the top of the “5 Dangerous Counties for Motorcycles” under the categories “Best Chance for Being Injured” and Best Chance of Being in a Collision.”

Graham County was also named the leading North Carolina County where one has the “Best Chance of Being Killed.” A major reason for this high ranking is the 318 curves on its 11-mile stretch of U.S. 129. The fact that the number of people buying and riding motorcycles is increasing is also playing a role.

Also ranking on the AAA Carolinas list is Gaston County, which ranked number 27 out of the 30 most dangerous counties in North Carolinas for auto crashes. On a positive note, it ranked 91 out of 100 counties where deadly accidents will most likely take place.

Mecklenburg County ranked number six under the most dangerous counties list. Also listed among the counties where motor vehicle collisions were most likely to occur were Lincoln County at number 25 and Cleveland County at number 33.

The number one county where auto wrecks were most likely to happen, for the fifth year in a row, is New Hanover County.

The North Carolina county where you are least likely to get into a motor vehicle wreck is Currituck County. Chowan County is the area where you are least likely to die in a car crash.

If you were injured in a motor vehicle crash or someone you love was killed in an auto collision that was caused by another negligent party in North Carolina or South Carolina, our motor vehicle accident law firm would like to offer you a free consultation to discuss your personal injury or wrongful death case.

Gaston County ranks in top half for wrecks, but few end in fatalities, GastonGazette.com, February 5, 2008

Mountain roads cited as among the state’s most dangerous, Smoky Mountain News, February 6, 2008

Related Web Resource:

AAA Carolinas

Continue reading "AAA Carolinas Releases Its List of Most Dangerous Places to Drive in North Carolina" »

Posted by Michael A. DeMayo | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Car Accidents , Motorcycle Accidents , Truck Accidents , Wrongful Death

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Michael Peterson, the Durham North Carolina man convicted of the 2001 first-degree murder of his wife, Kathleen Peterson, agreed a year ago to settle the wrongful death lawsuit filed against him by Kathleen’s daughter, Caitlin Atwater. Atwater claims that Peterson maliciously assaulted Kathleen.

The judgment, for over $35 million, was only approved on January 31 by Judge Orlando Hudson in Durham County Court. The initial settlement agreement of $25 million has now grown because of interest.

It is not likely, however, that Atwater will ever see any money from the settlement because Peterson says he has no money. He filed for bankruptcy from prison, where he is serving a life sentence for his wife’s murder.

In December 2001, Kathleen Peterson, 48, was found dead at the bottom of the staircase of their home. Peterson continues to maintain his innocence, claiming that she died from an accidental fall.

In 2003, a jury convicted him of first-degree murder following a two-month trial. Peterson has been unsuccessful in getting the courts to reverse the decision. North Carolina’s Supreme Court upheld the trial court’s decision.

As part of the terms of the wrongful death agreement, Atwater said she would stay the case until all of Peterson’s criminal appeals were exhausted. She can reinstate the lawsuit if he is exonerated. Even though Peterson has declared bankruptcy, Atwater wanted to make sure that Peterson would never profit from telling the story of her mother’s murder.

Mike Peterson is a writer and a novelist. He is the author of the books The Immortal Dragon, A Bitter Peace, and A Time of War.

If someone you love died as the victim of a crime, there is a possibility that the person responsible for your loved one’s death can be held liable in a criminal court and by a civil court. You may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the person responsible for your loved one’s death and receive some recovery for your pain, suffering, and associated losses.

One of our North Carolina or South Carolina wrongful death attorneys would be happy to help you determine whether you have grounds for a wrongful death case.

Peterson agrees to settle lawsuit, NewsObserver.com, February 1, 2008

Judge Awards $35M in Peterson Wrongful Death Suit, WRAL.com, January 31, 2008

Related Web Resource:

Wrongful Death Overview, Justia

Continue reading "North Carolina Convicted Murderer Mike Peterson Now Owes $35 Million for Wrongful Death of His Wife " »

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The family of Carlos Claros Castro will receive a settlement payment in the wrongful death of Castro, who died in Davidson County, North Carolina after being beaten by two county jailers.

The family of the Honduran immigrant had filed a wrongful death lawsuit seeking $100 million--$50 million in compensatory damages and $50 million in punitive damages. The lawsuit claims that County Manager Robert Hyatt, Sheriff David Grice, and others failed to properly train or hire enough officers at the jail. The family also accuses Sheriff Grice of not properly investigating complaints and allowing excessive force to be used at the Davidson County jail.

Castro worked at Elizabeth’s Pizza in Thomasville, where he also had a home. He was brought to the Davidson County jail after his arrest for DWI, driving without a driver’s license, and leaving the scene of a one-car accident on January 6.

Castro reportedly took off his clothes when he couldn’t use the phone right away. He was restrained in a chair for over four hours. He was deprived of food, water, and not allowed to move.

Castro was later transferred to a second-floor isolation cell. Castro became involved in a struggle with detention officer Ronald Parker and Brandon Huie because Castro refused to return a mop.

The wrongful death lawsuit claims that the officers reportedly Tasered, pepper-sprayed, and beat Castro with a baton and their fists a number of times. He was transported to Lexington Memorial Hospital where he died.

An autopsy declared the death a homicide caused by multiple traumatic injuries. Claros had bleeding in the neck and brain, bruises on his head and body, stun gun wounds, and signs of asphyxiation.

Huie and Parker were initially charged with second-degree murder. The two men were eventually convicted of involuntary manslaughter.

Police Brutality
Injuries or deaths caused by the unnecessarily violent actions of a police officer or another law enforcement officer is considered police brutality and can be grounds for a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.

Police brutality is an abuse of power. Just because you have been arrested for a crime does not entitle police to treat you with violence, abuse, or disrespect.

In North Carolina or South Carolina, our personal injury law firm can help you deal with your police brutality injury case. If your loved one has died at the hands of law enforcement officers, you can also speak to one of our wrongful death lawyers.

County settles wrongful-death suit, The Dispatch Online, January 11, 2008

Claros Family Settles Lawsuit, Journal Now, January 10, 2008

Related Web Resources:

Read the Medical Examiner's Report (PDF)

Event Report, January 7, 2006, (PDF)

Continue reading "Davidson County Settles North Carolina Wrongful Death Lawsuit by Family of Inmate Beaten in Jail" »

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