The family of a prominent banking and real estate mogul has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver who hit her.
In April 2015, Patricia G. and her husband Howard E. were riding their bicycles near their home in Highland Beach, Fla. A car driven by William C. of West Boca swerved off the road and into the bike lane, hitting both cyclists. Patricia landed on the hood of the car and struck her head on the windshield, then landed on the ground.
Emergency medical responders took Patricia to Delray Medical Center, where she died of her injuries about a week after the crash. Her husband Howard also received serious injuries, including a head injury, but was later released from the hospital. William received minor injuries.
A spokesperson for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said William may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. Once the sheriff’s investigation is complete, the State Attorney’s Office will review it and consider charges.
Details on Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Patricia’s children are now suing William for the wrongful death of their mother. They say William recklessly drove his car into the bike lane where Patricia and Howard were riding. They allege that at the time of the crash, William was driving under the influence of alcohol, prescription drugs, or recreational drugs.
The family is also suing Elizabeth B., the owner of the car William was driving. In the family’s wrongful death lawsuit, they allege Elizabeth knew or should have known that William was likely to drive her car in an unreasonably risky way. They claim Elizabeth allowed William to drive her car even though she knew he was abusing prescription drugs and had such drugs in his possession.
Patricia was the vice chairman and head of commercial real estate at Emigrant Bank. Before that, she had been a top real estate executive for Citicorp. She was one of the first women to enter Citicorp’s credit training classes in the 1970s. Years later, as division executive at Citicorp Global Real Estate, she oversaw $23 billion in worldwide assets. On news of her death, some who had known her professionally described her as a great mentor, an exceptional leader in banking and real estate, and a pioneer for women in those fields.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Families who find themselves in a similar position as Patricia’s children and husband after losing a loved one in a fatal accident have the option of filing a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of claim is meant to compensate the deceased person’s survivors for the harm they suffer as a result of their loved one’s death. A wrongful death lawsuit can compensate the family for losses like lost financial support, the costs of their loved one’s medical care prior to that person’s death, and funeral expenses. It can also provide compensation for losses that are not as material, such as lost emotional support. Surviving spouses may be able to get compensation for the loss of their marital relationship, and in some states survivors can be compensated for the deceased person’s pain and suffering prior to death.
The rules for wrongful death lawsuits vary from state to state. A wrongful death attorney can help survivors know exactly what their rights and options are according to their state laws.
Patricia’s family is represented by attorney Ira Leesfield of Miami. The family’s wrongful death lawsuit is now pending in Palm Beach County Circuit Court.
Obtain a Free Wrongful Death Case Evaluation
If your loved one died from a personal injury caused by the negligence or intentional misconduct of another party, you may be able to pursue compensation for your loss, including but not limited to: medical or funeral expenses, loss of financial support, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and punitive damages.
The following types of wrongful death cases are common examples of what a family member can sue for:
- Car Accidents
- Bicycle or Pedestrian Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Boating Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Medication Errors
- Workplace Accidents
- Drowning Accidents
- Nursing Home Neglect/Abuse
- Slip and Fall Accidents
- Defective Products
- Other Personal Injury Claims that Caused the Death
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