The family of Alyssa Squirrell has filed a wrongful death claim against the city of Huntington Beach for the death of their daughter, who was killed on July 14, 2009, during a routine Jr. lifeguard training drill. According to the Orange County Register, the claim was filed on November 12, and seeks damages against the city for personal injuries, emotional distress and damages related to Alyssa's death in the junior lifeguard program accident.
Squirrell was struck by a boat propeller during a "speed drop" rescue exercise, in which junior lifeguards drop into the water off of a moving vessel. Following the accident, Squirrell was taken to University of California Irvine Medical Center, where she died of her injuries. The tragic accident was the first fatal accident since the Huntington Beach junior lifeguard program began in 1964. Last week, Orange County prosecutors said they would not be filing criminal charges against Huntington Beach lifeguard Lt. Greg Crow, the operator of the boat that struck Squirrell.
When a death can be attributed to the negligent actions of another, surviving family members may be able to claim compensation for wrongful death. The amount of compensation depends on many factors including the age of the deceased, projected lost income, final medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, and numerous other factors. Though monetary compensation for a loved one's death can never replace a person, it can ease the financial burden that may accompany a loss. If you have questions about wrongful death claims, or would like a free consultation about a potential case, contact the California wrongful death lawyers at Estey & Bomberger, LLP.
Leave a comment