The family of David “DJ” James is suing Trevor Dooley for Florida wrongful death. Dooley is accused of shooting James in front of his 8-year-old daughter Danielle on a neighborhood basketball court. The lawsuit was filed after mediation efforts to resolve the case failed.
According to the Florida wrongful death complaint, Dooley shot James on September 26, 2010 after the two men got into an argument over a skateboarder who was on the court. Police say that Dooley, 69, did not agree with James giving the 14-year-old skater permission to be there, and he came out of his house with firearm in hand. Investigators say that James went toward Dooley to keep the gun away from the kids and that was when it went off. James’ family is seeking unspecified damages.
Unfortunately, altercations can occur between people resulting in serious injuries or death. Even if no one intended for the disagreement to escalate, if someone got hurt as a result, then the person that inflicted the harm-whether accidentally or not-could end up behind bars for committing the crime. Also, depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident, he/she could be sued for Florida wrongful death.
In Florida, families may be able to recover damages for loss of protection, companionship, and care, medical expenses related to the death, funeral, cremation, or burial expenses, pain and suffering, mental trauma, loss of current and future income, and punitive damages.
Miami Wrongful Death
It is important that you speak with an experienced injury attorney to determine whether you have grounds for a Miami wrongful death case.
Wrongful death suit filed against Trevor Dooley, 10 News, March 21, 2011
Wrongful death suit filed in Valrico basketball court shooting, Tampa Bay, March 21, 2011
Related Web Resources:
Florida Statutes
Wrongful Death, Nolo
More Blog Posts:
Family of Deceased UCF Football Player Can Seek Punitive Damages in their Florida Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against the University, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, March 31, 2011
Family Preparing Broward County Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Fatal Shooting at Deerfield Country Club, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, March 21, 2011
Space Coast Area Transit Sued for Florida Wrongful Death Lawsuit After Bus Driver Left Pastor Who Had Just Undergone Dialysis Unattended, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, March 15, 2011