Demi Moore Settles Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed by Family of Man Who Drowned in Her Swimming Pool
Demi Moore Settles Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed by Family of Man Who Drowned in Her Swimming Pool
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Demi Moore has settled a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the parents of 21-year-old Edenilson Steven Valle who drowned in the actress’s backyard pool in Los Angeles in July 2015. According to a report in the Daily Mail, Moore was not in town when the incident occurred and had left her property with two caretakers. Valle’s family sued the actress in early 2017. TMZ reported that both sides reached an agreement and asked the court to dismiss the case.
Tragic Death at Party
Valle’s parents, Jorge and Maria, not only filed the lawsuit against the property owners, Tree House Trust, but also included Moore’s personal assistant and another individual who were supposed to take care of a party, but ended up throwing a raucous party there. Moore was later added to the lawsuit for failing to “place depth markers near an excessively deep pool.”
Valle’s parents also alleged that the rocks by the pool’s edge were a tripping hazard and that alcohol and the pool’s dangerously high temperature were factors in his death. Law enforcement officials reported at the time that Valle had told the group he couldn’t swim. He reportedly tripped over something while everyone was gone, fell in the pool and drowned. It is not clear how much Moore paid to settle this wrongful death case.
Wrongful Death Claims
A “wrongful death” is defined as a fatality that occurs as a result of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. Wrongful death cases are different from murder, homicide cases, which are tried in criminal courts. Those who are found guilty of such crimes face punishments including the death penalty or life in prison. However, wrongful death claims, which are brought forth by survivors of the decedent are adjudicated in civil courts.
If the defendant in a wrongful death case is found “liable” the plaintiffs receive monetary compensation for their tremendous losses. Examples of parties that can file a wrongful death lawsuit include spouses, children (young or grown), parents, siblings or others who were financially dependent on the deceased victim.
A majority of wrongful death lawsuits are settled out of court. However, there are also times when these cases go to trial. If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, an experienced Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer may be able to help you understand your legal rights and options. You may be able to seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love, care and companionship.
