There is nothing more noble or honorable than a man or woman who is willing to risk his or her life in order to preserve the safety of the country and fellow citizens. On the other hand, some people might argue that there is no worse transgression than causing injury to a person and leaving him or her to die. A Fayetteville woman has recently pleaded guilty to criminal charges stating that she did just that. As a result, the family of the man she killed could consider filing a wrongful death case.
A 21-year-old female was traveling on a North Carolina road in the early morning hours in Dec. 2012. She was under the influence of alcohol at the time, according to her recent plea. As she was driving, she struck a soldier who was walking near the road. Police reports claim that she did not stop to help the man.
She was later stopped by police at a sobriety checkpoint. In court recently, she pleaded guilty to the charges of involuntary manslaughter and driving while impaired. Unfortunately, the 20-year-old soldier died as a result of the accident.
While the family members of soldiers know that their loved ones may potentially have to give their life as a result of their chosen occupation, this unexpected loss in a preventable tragedy likely came as a complete shock. In addition to managing their grief, the young man’s family will also have to cope with funeral expenses and, potentially, medical bills. If the family can prove the driver’s negligence caused the man’s death, they could receive compensation for these unexpected financial burdens. The Fayetteville woman’s guilty plea will likely support the family’s wrongful death claims in court.
Source: Fayetteville Observer, Fayetteville woman pleads guilty to involuntary manslaughter and DWI, Caitlin Dineen, Sept. 20, 2013