Tragedy-
“At least nine lawsuits have been filed including at least 35 attorneys since the helicopter crash that killed NBA legend Kobe Bryant and eight others.“
The following written content by Tom Schad
On the day that more than 20,000 mourners packed into Staples Center to say goodbye to Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, the first lawsuit hit the docket in a Los Angeles County court.
In a 72-page complaint, Vanessa Bryant alleged that the helicopter crash in Calabasas, California – which left her husband, daughter and seven others dead – could have been avoided. She claimed the pilot, Ara Zobayan, had shown poor judgment during that Jan. 26 flight. And that his employer, Island Express Helicopters, should be held responsible for the tragic outcome.
“Plaintiffs’ deceased, Kobe Bryant, was killed as a direct result of the negligent conduct of Zobayan,” the complaint alleges, “for which Defendant Island Express Helicopters is vicariously liable in all respects.”
Nearly one year later, that wrongful death lawsuit is at the center of an increasingly vast and complex web of litigation tied either directly or indirectly to the crash.
The families of the other victims have since joined Vanessa Bryant in suing the company that operated the helicopter. The helicopter company has countersued two air traffic controllers. Vanessa Bryant has sued Los Angeles County and its sheriff’s department. And she has been separately sued by her mother.
All told, the tangential legal fallout includes at least nine cases in state or federal court and at least 35 listed attorneys from a dozen firms – plus the U.S. Department of Justice.
“I think it’s part of the legal and Hollywood/celebrity culture, that there would be lawsuits,” said attorney Mark Geragos, who has represented a number of high-profile clients and public figures. “And clearly, any time you’ve got a tragedy like this, somebody or something is going to be held accountable.”
Five of the lawsuits are interconnected, with the victims’ families seeking damages and alleging fault for the crash. Three others involve photos of the scene that were allegedly taken by Los Angeles County authorities. Read more from USA Today.
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