Falling Airport Sign Kills Boy, Injures Others
A 10-year-old boy was killed at an Alabama airport when an airport sign fell on top of him. The sign also injured several family members.
Luke Bresette was killed in the tragic accident at the Birmingham International Airport. Two other children are still being treated, and his mother is listed in critical condition, reports Fox News.
Witnesses say that a flight information sign weighing at least 300 pounds fell on top of the family. Several passersby helped to lift the sign off the family, but it was too late to save Luke. Airport officials are still not sure how the sign fell.
The accident happened about 1:30 p.m. Friday. The Birmingham airport is currently undergoing a $200 million renovation project, though it is unclear if the fallen sign is related to that project. However, airport crews have checked all other flight information signs to ensure that they are secure, reports Fox News.
Investigators are continuing to look into the incident and they have talked to contractors and subcontractors working on the renovation project. The airport, along with these contractors, could potentially be held liable if the family files personal injury and/or wrongful death lawsuits.
Generally, a business or entity is responsible for keeping their premises safe for consumers and visitors. So if the Birmingham Airport wanted to stay open for business while it engaged in major renovation construction projects, it needed to make sure that the renovation project would not jeopardize anyone's safety. That certainly did not seem to be the case when a giant flight information sign came crashing down on a family.
However, simply suing an airport may not be as easy as suing a private company or business. That's because airports are typically owned by government entities, which may be immune from certain personal injury lawsuits. In such a case, the victim will need to follow unique rules and processes to sue a government entity.
Related Resources:
- Mom of boy killed by Alabama airport sign remains unconscious after surgeries (New York Daily News)
- Wrongful Death: Who Can File? (FindLaw's Injured)
- Disabled Woman's United Airlines Suit Revived (FindLaw's Injured)
- Browse Personal Injury Lawyers by Location (FindLaw)