Both Louisiana movie goers and car enthusiasts generally were horrified by the death of Fast and Furious franchise star, Paul Walker. The actor died in a fiery crash in a Porsche Carrera GT. Two years after the fatal crash, his daughter now pursues a wrongful death claim.
The foundation of the claim rests on an assertion of negligence on behalf of high end car maker, Porsche. The lawsuit alleges that mechanical failure was to blame for Walker’s death.
His daughter alleges that the 2006 Porsche Carrera GT lacked appropriate safety features to protect passengers from the type of crash that lead to loss of life. The lawsuit points to the history of instability and control in the model.
After the Nov. 2013 crash, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department conducted an investigation. The Sheriff determined that the cause of the crash was excessive speed.
Walker’s autopsy revealed that there was soot in his trachea. This may lead some to believe that Walker may have had a chance to escape the sports car prior to the car bursting into flames. The lawsuit alleges that a defective seatbelt may have prevented the actor from exiting the vehicle.
In the state of Louisiana, only certain individuals are allowed to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Both children and surviving spouses may seek compensation. If no spouse or children are present, a parent may pursue a claim.
Monetary loss for future earnings can serve as a valid theory for recovery. Anyone who has lost a loved one in a tragic accident may speak to an attorney to determine their legal rights.
Source: The Huffington Post, “Paul Walker”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entDeath Lawsuit against Porsche,” Cavan Siezkowski, Sept. 29, 2015