It is believed that the homeowner's association, of the Sanford subdivision where Trayvon Martin was shot to death by Neighborhood Watch volunteer George Zimmerman, will be paying over $1 million in a wrongful death lawsuit settlement with Martin's parents, as reported by the Orlando Sentinel and several other media outlets.
Benjamin Crump, the attorney representing the family in the lawsuit, filed the settlement papers with the Seminole County Courthouse. On April the 5th some of the details of the settlement was made public – five pages – however, the actual dollar amount that will be paid to the family had been marked out.
When asked if the settlement was over $1 million, Crump commented, "I have no comment on that subject … I know you did not get that from me."
Martin was killed on February 26, 2012 in an altercation with Zimmerman in the subdivision of townhomes known as the Retreat at Twin Lakes. Zimmerman claimed that Martin was behaving suspiciously. When Martin attacked him, according to Zimmerman, he shot him to death in an act of self-defense.
The community association manager, and his attorney, did not return calls from reporters seeking comment on the settlement.
Attorney Robert Taylor, who has experience representing homeowner associations, commented, "When claims are filed, they're filed against anybody who could possibly have any culpability" and a settlement is "…really nothing more than a risk-versus-reward analysis."
Travelers Casualty and Surety Co. of America, the association's insurer, was dropped from the suit in November. A statement from the company read, "Travelers is not a party to the settlement. The settlement would have been with other insurers of the homeowners association and/or the property managers."
In February Zimmerman's attorney, Mark O'Mara, said that the association had offered a $1 million settlement to the family – and that they had rejected the amount.
The portion of the settlement that was released reads, "It is understood and agreed that the payment made herein is not to be construed as an admission of any liability by or on behalf of the releasing parties; but instead the monies being paid hereunder is consideration for avoiding litigation, the uncertainties stemming from litigation as well as to protect and secure the good name and good will of the released parties."
The edited version withheld the names of the parties involved, including who would be making the payment. The settlement states that the family will set aside their wrongful death claim. All claims for pain and suffering, loss of earnings and expenses must also be set aside.
Crump is planning on suing Zimmerman on behalf of Martin's parents as well as he was not part of the current settlement.
According to reporters, the settlement details were placed in Zimmerman's criminal file – and copies were distributed to O'Mara, Special Prosecutor Angela Corey and the judge.
If you think that your loved one died due to a wrongful death, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your case! You also may be due a monetary award for damages!