When someone is killed as a result of another person’s actions, it is crucial to thoroughly examine and scrutinize the details leading up to the fatal incident to verify what happened and assign liability. This is what often happens when family members file a wrongful death claim.
There may already be or have been a criminal case associated with the fatality filed, but family members have the option of also filing a civil claim in order to get their questions answered and to pursue the compensation they may be eligible to receive after a fatal accident. These are the reasons that are evidently motivating the family of one man to file a federal wrongful death claim.
Sources have reported that a 20-year-old man was shot numerous times and killed by law enforcement officers when he was walking on the side of the road. Officers claim they responded with deadly force because they feared the young man was reaching for a gun.
However, his family argues that the man did not pose a threat to officers and needed medical help, not to be shot and attacked by police. In the lawsuit, the family maintains that the officers who responded used excessive force and were not properly trained. The family argues that the department should be held accountable for the young man’s death.
Videos of the altercation may ultimately prove which side is right. Reports indicate that police dash-cam footage, as well as videos recorded by other motorists on the scene, will be used to establish what actually happened when the man was shot.
Tracking down witnesses and pieces of evidence including video footage can be essential in cases involving accusations of wrongful death. Unfortunately, many people do not have the experience or resources to know where to look for these things and how they may impact their claim. Thankfully, family members across Atlanta have the right to work with an attorney who can help them track down evidence and build their claim to pursue the compensation they may deserve.
Source: ABC News, “Lawyer: Dash Cam Video Will Help Federal Wrongful Death Case,” Ken Ritter, March 3, 2015
