Thursday, February 6, 2014

Family of Accidental Shooting Victim Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Local news reports

Nearly a year to the day after 20-year-old James Ballman was killed during an accidental shooting at a Hebron apartment, his family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the man responsible.

Ballman was shot in the neck on Feb. 3, 2013, while at the residence of 23-year-old Cody Williams, according to the lawsuit. The suit says Ballman had recently purchased the gun and had unloaded it, but at some point in the evening, the gun was reloaded.

“The defendant, Cody Williams, then obtained the gun, pointed it at (Ballman) when it suddenly discharged,” the lawsuit said.

he lawsuit claims negligence by Williams, the landlords and owners of the apartment complex where the incident took place, and insurance companies responsible for covering the complex. 

Ballman’s mother, Lori Ballman, filed the suit Friday afternoon and is seeking more than $25,000 in damages for emotional distress and medical, funeral and burial expenses as well as any other damages. 

Williams was convicted of involuntary manslaughter, a third-degree felony, and using weapons while intoxicated, a first-degree misdemeanor, after entering no contest pleas in June. He was sentenced to 30 months in prison.

2 comments:

  1. How, exactly, are the landlords and owners of the apartment complex responsible? That's an example of plantiff's attorneys run amok.

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    1. I agree that sounded a little weird to me. Also the amount seemed low.

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