Dexterous lion opens gate, kills animal park worker

May 25, 2013

An animal park worker’s neck was broken by an escaped lion.

Though it is too early to tell, this may be a case where safety protocols were not explained properly or not adhered to while the worker was cleaning out a pen.

The records on this sudden death indicate that a five-year-old male lion was able to raise the door of a partially closed feeding cage with his paw, and approached the 24-year-old female worker cleaning the bigger cage area where the lion was regularly kept. There is speculation that the 550-pound lion was attempting to play with her, not maul her, but when he lunged to engage the women, he broke her neck. Death was instantaneous according to the coroner. Any further injuries sustained, such as scratches and claw marks, were post-mortem.

The investigation launched likely has been focused on the safety of the gate and how the animal was able to raise the heavy cage door to reach the woman working in his main pen. Apparently, he had been fed first in the smaller cage, and the woman then moved into the main enclosure to clean his pen out. The woman had only been working at the animal park facility for two months, which raises the question: Was she was properly indoctrinated with regard to safety procedures when working with big cats?

While she was talking on her cell phone to another work colleague, the call was abruptly terminated, which concerned the other worker. The worker called for help and went to look for the young woman. She was found with the lion standing over her.

Her family is understandably shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic death, but may nonetheless consider filing a wrongful death lawsuit, not so much to get any compensation, but to ensure nothing like this happens to anyone else.

While waiting for trial or settlement, the family will need to still pay their regular bills and any expenses related to their daughter’s death. It would likely be financially difficult for them to accomplish and having extra cash on hand would be a welcome relief. They might wish to consider applying for a lawsuit loan. Pre-settlement funding is a cash advance, referred to as a lawsuit funding that arrives in a plaintiff’s bank account once their application has been approved.

While the plaintiff may use the lawsuit loan to buy anything they wish, most apply the funds to their medical or other bills, such as funeral and burial expenses. Having a lawsuit cash advance in the bank allows the plaintiffs to grieve in private and wait for their case to be resolved, rather than have to deal with insurance companies who want them to settle for pennies on the dollar.

Daren Monroe writes for Litigation Funding Corp. To learn more, visit http://www.litigationfundingcorp.com/.

Wrongful Death Lawsuit D.C. Train Accident Still Unresolved

June 28, 2011

June 22 marked the two year anniversary of the most fatal public rail system accident in 33 years. The accident occurred in Washington near the Fort Totten station when one commuter train rear-ended another during rush hour. Investigators determined that the cause of the crash was a malfunctioning electronic circuit. The train operator and eight passengers died. In addition, over 70 people went to local hospitals to be treated for injuries that ranged from minor sprains, cuts and bruises to life-threatening injuries.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) had previously recommended that the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Administration (WMATA) change these cars because the ability to make it through a train accident was not certain, but cost concerns prevented the WMATA from doing so. Could this devastating train accident have been avoided if the WMATA did not ignore the NTSB’s warnings? Were other warning signs ignored as well?

Lawsuits filed by victims and their families have been consolidated into one case. Although some progress has been made, the pending lawsuits may not be resolved until 2012. In addition to providing compensation to the victims, a wrongful death lawsuit can express the importance of following up on safety warnings before tragedies occur.

It has already been a long road in seeking justice for the victims and their families. As the litigation process continues, many victims may be experiencing difficulty paying the mortgage, rent, car payment, medical expenses, funeral expenses, and other important bills. What can they do until a settlement is reached?
One possible solution is lawsuit funding. A lawsuit cash advance will help pay the bills, relieve financial obligations, and provide the ability to wait for a fair and equitable settlement. Applying for pre-settlement funding is quick and easy; the process can be completed within 24- 48 hours. A lawsuit cash advance may be the strategic move to retain financial security while waiting for case resolution.

For more information on lawsuit funding, visit us at www.litigationfundingcorp.com.