A trial that was expected to last many months came to a close after just a few days. Now, the families of two victims involved in a duck boat and tugboat accident will receive $15 million as a result. During the trial, the jury learned that the two victims were riding the duck boat as part of a tour of Philadelphia. At some point during the tour. the duck boat was struck by a tugboat pulling a barge.
The operator of the tugboat was later found to have been using his cell phone and his laptop, both of which distracted him and prevented him from seeing the duck boat in time to avoid an accident.
At this time, it is uncertain how much each company is expected to pay towards the wrongful death settlement. It is known that a portion of the money, $2 million worth, will go to eighteen survivors of the boating accident. I
n the state of North Carolina, people can file a wrongful death claim if they lose their loved ones due to the negligence or recklessness of another party. By filing such a claim, people stand to receive compensation for their losses if their suits result in settlements or personal injury awards.