Witham v. Avjet: $11 Million Verdict
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Landmark Case:
Witham v. Avjet
The Verdict:
$11 Million
CASE SYNOPSIS
Burbank, CA based aviation company Avjet Corp. settled a wrongful death lawsuit out of court with the families of three people who lost their lives during a March 29, 2001 plane crash in Aspen, CO. One of the victims, 22-year-old Marissa Witham, was represented by Brian Panish and Kevin Boyle of Panish Shea & Boyle LLP, who was retained by the girl’s family to seek monetary damages on her behalf. Witham and 14 other passengers were on their way to a birthday celebration at the time of the crash.There was a reckless disregard for the safety of passengers.
– Brian Panish Panish Shea & Boyle LLP
The $11.7 million settlement was one of many settled with the families of the plane crash victims, which included the pilot, co-pilot, and on-board flight attendant. The Gulfstream III jet was traveling from Los Angeles to Aspen when it crashed into a hillside while on approach to the airport. According to Avjet’s attorney, the flight crew “made some mistakes.” Witham’s family settled with Avjet Corp. and the estate of the plane’s pilot for a sum of $9.5 million, while the other two victims involved in the suit, brothers, settled for $2.2 million, which was collected by the pair’s grandparents. The last minute settlement was arrived at after a jury had already decided upon awarding the two families $10.2 million in compensatory damages, and before the jury had even decided upon any punitive damages.
WITHAM vs AVJET CASE ARTICLES
Other Publications
Associated Press
The families of three people among 18 killed in a charter jet crash in Aspen, Colo., accepted $11.7 million Monday in a last-minute settlement with the plane’s operators.
Associated Press
A Southern California charter jet company must pay $10.2 million to families of three people killed in the 2001 plane crash near the Aspen airport, a jury ruled Wednesday.
Aspen Daily News
The families of three people among 18 killed in a charter jet crash in Aspen accepted $11.7 million…
Rocky Mountain News
3 Victim’s Relatives Given $10.2 Million by California Court
Avjet Press Releases
Bradach- nalls seventh engineer support battalion was clearing mines near the city of Karbala tuesday when the accident happened.
