Indiana Stage Collapse: $50M Wrongful Death Suit Filed
The tragic Indiana stage collapse claimed the lives of 6 people, possibly 7. The stage collapsed from a powerful gust of wind prior to a Sugarland concert at the Indiana State Fair. Among those who perished was Tammy VanDam. Her partner Beth Urschel has now filed a wrongful death suit on behalf of herself and VanDam's estate.
Tammy VanDam's wrongful death suit seeks around $50 million in damages, reports the Post-Tribune. The suit was filed against Mid-America Sound Corp., Lucas Entertainment Group and Live Nation.
Meanwhile, authorities in Indiana are still investigating what caused the stage collapse. An independent engineering company has been hired to look into any possible structural defects in the stage, according to Reuters.
Beth Urschel seems to have reservations about the investigation process, as demonstrated in her lawsuit.
Urschel's lawsuit also seeks a restraining order against some investigating authorities, including the Indiana State Fair Commission. The restraining order would preserve evidence, including the stage, rigging, and other documents relating to the stage collapse, reports the Post-Tribune. A judge will rule on this motion on Tuesday.
VanDam was the mother of a 17-year-old girl when she tragically died, according to Reuters. The wrongful death suit's damages are likely meant to address some of the emotional damages she has suffered. And, the damages she will continue to suffer as a result of the loss of her mother's guidance.
In a second lawsuit, Urschel is seeking $10 million damages in a separate lawsuit, as she sustained injuries during the stage collapse, the Post-Tribune reports.
Beth Urschel's suits may be one of the first filed after the tragic Indiana stage collapse, but it likely won't be the last. The death toll in the stage collapse has continued to climb.
Related Resources:
- First lawsuits filed over deadly Indiana fair collapse (Reuters)
- Wrongful Death - Overview (FindLaw)
- Indiana Fair Deaths: 5 Killed at Sugarland Show (FindLaw's Injured)
- Vikings Stadium Collapse: Who Will Get Sued? (FindLaw's Injured