Lawsuits Filed in the Indiana State Fair Stage Collapse

According to CBS News, lawsuits in the Indiana State Fair stage collapse on August 13, 2011, are now moving forward.  In addition to Sugarland, the band that was to perform that evening, producers, stage riggers and others were named in the suits.  Wind gusts over 60 mph caused the stage to collapse prior to Sugarland taking the stage killing seven people and injuring over 40 others.

As bad weather approached the area, fairgoers remained in their seats anticipating Sugarland’s performance.  No word was given as to whether the show would go on.  CBS News reports Sugarland’s contract specified the act had the final say on whether to cancel the concert due to weather.

One joint lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for 44 survivors and family members of four people who died.  Nearly 20 law firms across Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky are representing the interests of the plaintiffs.  Several other lawsuits on behalf of individual victims of the tragedy have been filed against Sugarland and the other defendants.

Neither the fair nor the state of Indiana is listed as defendants, although they were named separately in claims filed with the attorney general’s office. The state’s liability for damages from the incident is capped at $5 million.

If you have been injured or a loved one died in a personal injury accident that was caused by another person’s carelessness or recklessness, you may be able to recover damages that include medical costs, property loss, lost wages, and pain and suffering.  Please call Munley, Munley & Cartwright’s lawyers at 877-918-1198 for a free assessment of your case or use our free online case evaluation.