Waffles are a wonderful food and Waffle Houses have become popular destinations for Americans to satisfy their waffle cravings. Tennessee is no exception to the American love affair with this popular breakfast staple. Sadly, a mass shooting last April may have tainted the experience for some Nashville residents. A judge recently ruled that a mother of one of the victims could sue the defendant for wrongful death.
The defendant entered the restaurant and opened fire using an AR-15 style rifle. Four people were killed in the shooting. The mother of one of the victims has brought a $100 million civil suit against the alleged shooter. A court order found that the man is civilly liable and as a result the judge ruled that a civil trial should be scheduled to establish possible damages. The criminal case is ongoing.
The mother is grateful that the civil suit is allowed to proceed. The defendant’s father is also cited in the civil suit as having provided the gun used in the shooting. The son’s guns had previously been seized following the defendant’s arrest outside the White House. The guns had been turned over to the man’s father who eventually returned them to his son.
The sudden loss of a loved one due to an act of violence is horrific experience. Apart from criminal charges, a civil suit against the party or parties deemed responsible may also be an option. While nothing can undo what has already occurred, a wrongful death suit in Tennessee can seek compensation for medical costs, funeral costs, pain and suffering and other verifiable losses.