Losing A Loved One To Tragic Circumstances
Our attorneys see cases on a regular basis where families have lost loved ones to tragic circumstances.
Recently the family of Arizona resident Patrick Graham was awarded million in damages for his 2005 shooting death by a mental patient in the Wal-Mart parking lot in Peoria, AZ.
The state court jury found that ValueOptions Inc., the company that held that contract with the state to provide behaviorial healthcare until 2007, was 90% at fault in the shootings of both Patrick Graham and another employee of Wal-Mart, Anthony Spangler.
Ed Liu, a patient of ValueOptions Inc. had suffered from paranoid schizophrenia and been a patient in the state’€™s mental health system for more than 20 years. According to Jere Beasley, based on trial testimony, he [Liu] was conscientious in managing those medications.
However, in December 2004, Liu’s care provider noted that his condition was becoming more severe and despite this fact, his appointment for the following month was cancelled. It wasn’t until May 2005 that ValueOptions sent an employee to knock on his door to check on him.
Liu failed to answer the door and called the next day to state that he wanted to get back on his medications, yet once again he did not show up for his June 2005 appointment.
In August 2005 Mr. Liu purchased a Glock semiautomatic pistol while he was hearing voices and receiving messages from car license plates and newscasts from CNN.com It was August 23, 2005 when he drove to the Peoria Wal-Mart location and shot Mr. Graham and Mr. Spangler while they were collecting shopping carts in the parking lot. Upon his arrest, Mr. Liu had no recollection of the incident.
The State of Arizona was also held responsible. The State of Arizona settled for $250,000 and the settlement amount from Mr. Liu’€™s liability policy paid an amount that is being kept confidential. Mr. Graham’s widow was awarded $10 million, each of his children were awarded $10.5 million, and both of his parents were awarded $2.5 million in damages and punitive damages. ValueOptions Inc., plan to appeal this ruling.
Our Toledo, OH wrongful death lawyers handle cases involving tragic deaths on a regular basis. If you or someone you know has lost a loved one due to tragic circumstances, contact our office today toll free at 800.637.8170 for your free consultation and case evaluation, and also to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Wrongful Death Book.
