Faulty Guardrail Leads to Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The Nassau County Commission is being sued for wrongful death as the result of an accident involving a 16-year-old girl who was killed on CR 121.

January 06, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Nassau County Commission is being sued for wrongful death as the result of an accident involving a 16-year-old girl who was killed on CR 121. Last May, Courtney Hendrix died after the car she was riding in hit a guardrail and crashed into an SUV. She was being driven by her 17-year-old stepsister, Heather Nicole Beninati, when the accident occurred.

The passengers in the other vehicle, Kellie Marie Rosier and her daughter Brianna Burnsed, suffered serious injuries during the motor vehicle accident as well. As a result, they are also suing the County Commission, claiming that the crash left them with huge medical bills and has impeded their ability to work.

According to the lawsuit, the injured parties claim that the Commission is negligent because the guardrail's installation fell well below the standards set forth by the Florida Department of Transportation.

Government Responsibility

Although drivers can do many things to remain safe on America's roads -- such as driving defensively, wearing seatbelts and obeying the speed limit -- local governments may also bear some responsibility in keeping motorists safe by properly building and maintaining roads. Some of the things that the government is responsible for include installing guardrails according to safety standards, ensuring that there are sufficient barriers between lanes and erecting stop signs and traffic lights.

When these safety measures are not taken, government agencies may be held responsible for the injuries that occur when a driver is in an accident.

What Is a Wrongful Death Suit?

When someone is killed in an accident as the result of negligence or misconduct, the family of the victim (e.g., the spouse, child or parents) may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. When someone has been the victim of things like medical malpractice, workplace accidents, automobile crashes or criminal acts, their family members may be able to receive damages for their losses suffered. Some damages may include compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses and lost income. In some cases, the victim's family may be awarded punitive damages if the behavior of the plaintiff is particularly egregious.

If a loved one has been killed in a car accident, contact a knowledgeable personal injury attorney who can advise you of your rights and legal options.

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