Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed by Husband of Latina Music Star Jenni Rivera

More than a year after Latin music superstar Jenni Rivera died in an airplane crash, her husband, former Major League Baseball player, Esteban Loaiza, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the owner of the aircraft.

According to a report in the Los Angeles Times, Loaiza was separated from Rivera at the time of her death, but is seeking unspecified damages. The lawsuit has been filed against Starwood Management LLC and its parent company Rodatz Financial Group.

Details of the Rivera Case

Rivera, a Long Beach California resident, and six others died in the December 9, 2012 plane crash when the private jet carrying them nosedived, plummeting 28,000 feet in 30 seconds before hitting the side of a mountain. The jet has been linked to a troubled company and an executive who once went to prison for faking safety records of planes he purchased from the Mexican government and sold to private pilots in the United States. Relatives of the other deceased passengers filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Starwood and the singer’s company in January 2013. In late 2013, a superior court judge denied a motion by Starwood to have the case moved from California to Mexico.

Civil Wrongful Death Action

A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil case that is usually brought by immediate family members of a deceased victim whose death was caused by negligence or wrongdoing. A wrongful death action is different from a criminal case because the defendant in such a case could be found liable or financially responsible for causing the death. In a criminal case, a defendant might be found guilty, which would result in penalties such as prison time and restitution.

A wrongful death claimant can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love and companionship. A wrongful death claim is usually filed by a close relative such as a spouse, children, parents or siblings. Such claims are often complex because it can be challenging to put a price on damages such as lost future income and benefits. An experienced California wrongful death attorney will be able to guide families through a complicated legal process during this difficult time.