Compass Group Wrongful Death Lawsuit Heads to Appellate Court

Compass Group USA, Inc. and plaintiffs claiming that negligence on the part of the facility and its workers led to wrongful death head to appellate court.

The Case: Soria v. Compass Grp. U.S.

The Court: California Court of Appeals, Second District, Second Division

The Case No.: B330221

The Plaintiffs: Soria v. Compass Grp. U.S.

The plaintiffs in the case, Celia Soria and Lilia Soria Trujillo, filed a wrongful death lawsuit revolving around the tragic death of Jaime Soria. The lawsuit is due to a tragedy on September 24, 2019. Jaime Soria battled spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy since birth. In September 2019, he was admitted to Antelope Valley Hospital with severe sepsis and aspiration pneumonia. Jaime was having difficulty swallowing and was placed on an NPO food restriction (nothing by mouth). However, a food tray was accidentally delivered to Jaime's hospital room. After being told it was safe, his mother fed him food from the tray. He immediately started to cough, gag, and vomit, which was aspirated into his lungs. He died two days later, and the plaintiffs claim Soria's death was due to alleged negligence by Compass Group USA.

The Defendants: Soria v. Compass Grp. U.S.

The defendants in the case are the hospital, one of its nurses, Compass Group USA, Inc. (Compass), the food and nutrition manager (contracted with the hospital), and a Compass catering associate.

The Case: Soria v. Compass Grp. U.S.

The trial court determined certain allegations of the plaintiffs' complaint constituted binding admissions on the plaintiffs, and the jury was instructed accordingly. The trial court found the plaintiffs were not entitled to punitive damages. The jury's verdict (in favor of Celia) awarded $8 million in damages. Compass filed a JNOV (motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict). They also filed a motion for a new trial. The trial court denied the JNOV motion while granting the motion for a new trial, finding that the damage award was excessive. After the Superior Court of LA County issued orders and a judgment, both parties appealed.

If you have questions about filing a California wrongful death lawsuit, don't hesitate to contact Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik DeBlouw LLP. Discuss your situation today with one of the experienced wrongful death attorneys in our various law firm offices in Chicago, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Riverside.

Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed in Response to Boston Police Officer’s 2022 Death

After the recent death of a Boston Police Officer, his brother filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the officer's girlfriend and two Canton area bars.

The Case: Paul O’Keefe v. C&C Hospitality d/b/a C.F. McCarthy’s, G&S Hospitality, Waterfall Bar & Grill, and Karen Read

The Court: Plymouth Superior Court

The Case No.: 2483 CV00692

The Plaintiff: Paul O'Keefe v. C.F. McCarthy's, Waterfall Bar & Grill, and Karen Read

In January 2022, 16-year veteran Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe and his girlfriend, Karen Read, a former adjunct professor at Bentley College, went barhopping at C.F. McCarthy's and Waterfall Bar & Grill. Read dropped O'Keefe off at Brian Albert's, a fellow Boston police officer, for a party. O'Keefe was later found dead outside Albert's home. The autopsy indicated O'Keefe died of blunt force trauma and hypothermia. Prosecutors claim Read hit him with her SUV and then left the scene. Read's legal counsel claims O'Keefe was actually killed inside the home and then dragged outside. They argued that police investigators focused on Read because doing so allowed them to avoid considering other law enforcement officers as suspects. O'Keefe's brother filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Read, the girlfriend, and two Canton, Massachusetts bars O'Keefe visited before going to the party at Albert's.

The Defendants: Paul O’Keefe v. C&C Hospitality d/b/a C.F. McCarthy’s, G&S Hospitality, Waterfall Bar & Grill, and Karen Read

The defendants in the case are O'Keef's girlfriend, Karen Read, who dropped him off at his fellow officer's home after they went out drinking at two local Canton bars (and allegedly hit him with her vehicle before leaving), and two Canton, Massachusetts bars: C.F. McCarthy's and Waterfall Bar & Grill. Read claims she did not harm O'Keefe. O'Keefe's family members allege the bars served alcoholic beverages to a visibly intoxicated person. C.F. McCarthy's denies their involvement in the death of O'Keefe.

The Case: Paul O’Keefe v. C&C Hospitality d/b/a C.F. McCarthy’s, G&S Hospitality, Waterfall Bar & Grill, and Karen Read

O'Keefe filed the wrongful death lawsuit in August 2024 in Plymouth Superior Court. In addition to wrongful death, O'Keefe alleges negligent infliction of emotional distress.

If you have questions about filing a California wrongful death suit, reach out to Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik DeBlouw L.L.P. Experienced wrongful death attorneys are available at various law firm offices in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside, and Chicago to assist you.

Wrongful Death Lawsuit After Fiery Collision Resolved with $2M Settlement

In recent news, the family that filed a wrongful death lawsuit after they lost their brothers-in-law in a fiery collision received a $2 million settlement.

The Case: Ashley Reed et al. v. James W. Bilton et al.

The Court: Superior Court of New Jersey, Mercer County

The Case No.: MER-L-1631-19

The Incident: Ashley Reed et al. v. James W. Bilton

On March 26, 2018, Arthur "Artie" Reed and Mark Leary were on an afternoon drive in Artie's car down Route 29 in Hopewell Township in New Jersey's Mercer County. The two brothers-in-law planned to pick up David, Mark's adopted son, from school. At around 12:54 pm, a truck driver lost control of his 2007 Mack dump truck northbound on Route 29 and collided head-on with Artie's vehicle as Artie and Mark traveled southbound. The collision left Artie's vehicle pinned under the dump truck, and both vehicles burst into flames with Artie and Mark trapped in the car, and neither survived the flames. Artie left behind his girlfriend of 13 years and two adult children. Mark, a firefighter and Marine, left behind his wife of 26 years and five children.

The Defendants: Ashley Reed et al. v. James W. Bilton

Six years later, the families of Artie and Mark received some closure. The defendant in the case, DAT and the State of New Jersey, paid a $1,950,000 settlement resolving the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the estates of the two brothers-in-law who were killed during a fiery collision in March 2018. The plaintiffs' counsel argued the horrific tragedy was caused by negligence on the part of the dump truck driver, the dump truck's owner, and the State of New Jersey (specifically citing the negligent design of that specific stretch of Route 29). The stretch of Route 29 where the fiery incident occurred included a shoulder, a clear zone, and a steep drop-off from the roadway to grass that fell below state and federal standards. The two men would still be alive if the roadway complied with the standards or the truck driver retained control of his vehicle.

The Case: Ashley Reed et al. v. James W. Bilton

A policy limits offer paid by DAT LLC's insurance company paid one million dollars of the settlement. (DAT LLC was forced to close following the fatal crash). The remaining $950,000 of the settlement was paid by the state. The settlement only came after a long, aggressively litigated case. The successful resolution of the wrongful death lawsuit means the families know that DAT LLC and the State of New Jersey were held accountable for their loss.

If you have questions about filing a California wrongful death suit, reach out to Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik DeBlouw L.L.P. Experienced wrongful death attorneys are ready to assist you in various law firm offices in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside, and Chicago.

Disney Drops is Outrageous Attempt to Keep a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Out of Court

A widower suing Walt Disney Parks and Resorts for the wrongful death of his wife faced an outlandish legal hurdle. Disney initially attempted to get the wrongful death lawsuit thrown out of court and sent to arbitration based on the fine print in a Disney+ subscription the man agreed to years before the incident.

The Case: Jeffrey J. Piccolo v. Great Irish Pubs Florida Inc., dba Raglan Road Irish Pub and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, a Florida Corporation dba Disney Springs

The Court: Circuit Court, Ninth Judicial Circuit, Orange County, Florida

The Case No.: 2:24-cv-04685

The Plaintiffs: Piccolo v. Great Irish Pubs

The plaintiff in the case, Jeffrey Piccolo, went to dinner with his wife and mother-in-law at Great Irish Pubs in October 2023. The restaurant was a part of Disney Springs, a Walt Disney World resort in Florida. The group chose the restaurant due to claims they could provide allergen-free food as Piccolo's wife had severe food allergies. The group repeatedly advised their server of the allergies and repeatedly confirmed the food she received was allergen-free. However, within hours, she passed away from an allergic reaction. Jeffrey Piccolo, the husband of deceased Kanokporn Tangsuan, filed a wrongful death lawsuit.

The Defendants: Piccolo v. Great Irish Pubs

Disney's initial response was to attempt to get the wrongful death lawsuit thrown out because Piccolo signed up for a one-month free trial of the Disney+ streaming service in 2019, and the trial requires users to arbitrate all disputes with the company. Additionally, the defendant's counsel argued that since Piccolo used the Disney Parks' website to purchase Epcot Center tickets, the company was shielded from a lawsuit from the estate of his deceased wife, who passed away due to a severe allergic reaction after eating what was supposed to be an allergen-free meal at a Disney owned, Florida restaurant.

The Case: Piccolo v. Great Irish Pubs

According to Disney's argument, anyone who signed up for a Disney+ streaming service free trial would lose their right to a jury trial with any Disney affiliate or subsidiary, which the plaintiff's counsel argued was outrageously unreasonable and grossly unfair. Following a swift and intense backlash when the situation became public, Disney filed a notice in Orange County court to withdraw the motion to dismiss the wrongful death lawsuit on the grounds that the victim's family once signed up for a free trial of Disney's streaming service years before the incident resulting in Tangsuan's death. Piccolo, the widower, seeks:

• Damages in excess of $50,000

• Damages for mental pain and suffering, loss of companionship and protection

• Loss of income

• Medical expenses and funeral expenses

If you have questions about filing a California wrongful death lawsuit, don't hesitate to contact Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik DeBlouw LLP. Discuss your situation today with one of the experienced wrongful death attorneys in our various law firm offices in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside, and Chicago.

Parents File Wrongful Death Lawsuit After Teen's Death Following Physical Altercation at Halloween Parrty

In a heart-wrenching case that has captured the attention of the community, the parents of 16-year-old Preston Lord have filed a wrongful death lawsuit following his tragic death at a Halloween party in Queen Creek last year.

The Case: Nicholas N. Lord v. Talan A. Renner, Travis and Rebecca Renner, Treston J. Billey, William O. Hines, Jacob R. Meisner, Anthony and Wendi Meisner, Dominic Turner, Taylor R. Sherman, Talyn R. Vigil, Roberto and Emily Correa, et al.

The Court: The Superior Court of Arizona of Maricopa County

The Case No.: CV2024-018033

The Plaintiffs: Nicholas N. Lord v. Talan A. Renner

Preston Lord, a teenager whose life was cut short by violence at a social gathering, is represented by his grieving parents. They have initiated legal action not only against those directly involved in the attack but also against the homeowners where the party occurred and the parents of one of the accused. The lawsuit addresses the broader circumstances and alleged negligence contributing to Preston's untimely demise.

The Defendants: Nicholas N. Lord v. Talan A. Renner

The defendants in this complex case include several teenagers and young adults charged with murder in connection to Preston's death, alongside their parents and the homeowners, Roberto and Emily Correa. The Correas are accused of negligence for allegedly failing to supervise a large gathering at their home where alcohol was provided to minors. Additionally, the parents of Talan Renner, one of the teens charged, are accused of failing to control their son despite his known violent tendencies.

Case History: Nicholas N. Lord v. Talan A. Renner

The incident, which occurred outside a Halloween party on October 28, led to Preston's death two days later. The ensuing lawsuit filed by his parents targets multiple parties for their roles in creating the environment that allowed such a tragedy to occur. It highlights issues of parental responsibility, homeowner accountability, and the alleged failure to prevent foreseeable risks at social events aimed at teenagers.

The Case: Nicholas N. Lord v. Talan A. Renner

This lawsuit underscores a critical message about the importance of vigilance and responsibility in hosting social events, especially those involving minors. For California workers and all residents, it serves as a somber reminder of the legal responsibilities adults hold in safeguarding young individuals. The case is pivotal for seeking justice for Preston and potentially setting precedents on how similar future incidents are legally addressed, emphasizing the serious implications of negligence and the duty of care owed by parents and homeowners. This tragic case could lead to more stringent measures in supervising teen gatherings, potentially curbing the pervasive issue of teen violence in communities.

If you have questions about filing a California wrongful death lawsuit, don't hesitate to contact Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik DeBlouw LLP. Discuss your situation today with one of the experienced wrongful death attorneys in our various law firm offices in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside, and Chicago.

Heartbreaking Tragedy at Hyatt Ziv Results in Wrongful Death Lawsuit

In a devastating incident that underscores critical issues in resort safety, a young toddler tragically lost his life after falling from a ninth-floor window at the Hyatt Ziva hotel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This case has led to a wrongful death lawsuit, spotlighting the dire consequences of safety oversights in the hospitality industry.

The Case: Family of Nico Carter v. Hyatt Hotel Corp.

The Court: San Diego Federal Court

The Case No.: 23CV1838 BAS AHG

The Plaintiff: Family of Nico Carter v. Hyatt Hotel Corp.

The lawsuit is filed by the grief-stricken parents, James Carter and Anastasia Duboshina, who suffered the unbearable loss of their 23-month-old son, Nico Carter. The tragedy occurred when Nico fell through an unprotected window that was missing its pane, a safety hazard that went unnoticed until it was too late. The heartbroken parents are now seeking justice for Nico, aiming to ensure that such a preventable tragedy never recurs in any hotel or resort setting.

The Defendants: Family of Nico Carter v. Hyatt Hotel Corp.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, the defendant in this case, is accused of negligence in failing to maintain safe premises at their Hyatt Ziva location in Puerto Vallarta. The lawsuit alleges that the hotel did not adhere to necessary safety protocols, including ensuring that all windows, particularly those on higher floors, were secure and protected to prevent such accidents.

Case History: Family of Nico Carter v. Hyatt Hotel Corp.

The incident, which took place on October 11, 2021, led to the lawsuit filed in San Diego Federal Court. It claims that Hyatt Hotels Corporation misrepresented the safety of their facilities, directly leading to Nico’s fatal accident. This case raises significant questions about enforcing safety standards and the accountability of large hospitality entities.

The Case: Family of Nico Carter v. Hyatt Hotel Corp.

This tragic case is a crucial reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures in the hospitality industry. For California workers and residents, it underscores the potential dangers in public accommodations and the need for vigilant enforcement of California employment law and safety regulations. The lawsuit seeks justice for Nico and aims to serve as a deterrent against the negligence that too often underpins such heartbreaking losses. This case is a call to action for all hotel operators to prioritize guest safety to prevent future tragedies.

If you have questions about filing a California wrongful death lawsuit, please contact Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik DeBlouw L.L.P. Experienced wrongful death attorneys are ready to assist you in various law firm offices in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside, and Chicago.

Parents of the 12 Year Old Killed While Paddleboarding File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Almost a year after the death of their 12-year-old daughter during an incident in Mission Bay's De Anza Cove, Ashley and Mark Peterson filed a wrongful death lawsuit.

The Case: Ashley and Mark Peterson v. City of San Diego, County of San Diego, State of California, OfferUp, Theresa Miranda De Vara, Leal Serafin, Isaac Shaker, Arsanyous R. Ghaly, Peter Youssef, Does 1-100 inclusive

The Court: Superior Court of California, County of San Diego - Central Division

The Case No.:

The Plaintiffs: Parents File Wrongful Death Lawsuit After Their 12-Year-Old's Death

The plaintiffs in the case are Ashley and Mark Peterson, the parents of a 12-year-old who was killed while paddle boarding in Mission Bay's De Anza Cove in July 2023. 12-year-old Savannah was hit by 19-year-old Arsanyous Ghaly, who was riding a Jet Ski.

Multiple Defendants Listed in the Wrongful Death Lawsuit:

The defendants in the case include the man driving the Jet Ski that ran over the child, Ghaly, who was accused of Savannah's death in a criminal case and faces a charge of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. Ghaly, a resident of Bellflower in Los Angeles County, was arrested in November 2023. Ghaly is accused of going 10x the speed limit (approx. 50 mph in a 5 mph zone) when he hit the child paddleboarding. Ghaly plead not guilty and denied all charges during his informational arraignment. In addition to Ghaly, Savannah's parents named nine other defendants:

• two other Jet Ski riders

• two owners of the Jet Ski

• the city, the county, the state, and the San Diego Unified Port District

• OfferUp (the app allegedly used to rent the Jet Skis)

According to the California Wrongful Death lawsuit, just eight minutes before the deadly incident, the group of three Jet Ski riders were pulled over by a San Diego lifeguard for excessive speed and reckless operation. The suit also indicates that Ghaly and the two other riders were not provided proper training on safe Jet Ski operation and did not have California Boater's Cards.

The Case: Petersons v. City of San Diego, et al

In the complaint for wrongful death and survival, the plaintiffs make several claims:

• Dangerous condition of public property

• Violations of the California Harbors and Navigation Code

• Negligence per se

• Gross Negligence

• Negligence

• Loss of Companionship

The plaintiffs seek a jury trial.

If you have questions about filing a California wrongful death lawsuit, don't hesitate to contact Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik DeBlouw LLP. Discuss your situation today with one of the experienced wrongful death attorneys in our various law firm offices in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside, and Chicago.