MSN News has reported that the widow of a longtime New England Patriots fan, that suffered a fatal heart attack following a lengthy altercation with a guard at a game, is suing the NFL team for wrongful death.
J.C., 40, died three years ago during opening day at Gillette Stadium. The suit was filed this past June due to the three-year limit on personal injury lawsuits as set by Massachusetts' law.
J.C.'s widow K.C. is seeking $10 million in damages.
J.C., of Atlanta, allegedly attended numerous games every month. He was a New England season ticket holder since 2000. His six-year-old son that attended the game with him is named after Tedy Bruschi – a current ESPN analyst and former New England linebacker.
The suit alleges that just before J.C.'s heart attack he had a 15-minute-long argument with a security guard. Young Tedy was with J.C. at the game and during the confrontation.
The suit alleges that the guard behaved in a "harsh, unprofessional, confrontational, disrespectful and antagonistic manner."
George Marion, one of the lawyers for the family, told reporters, "We had a situation, which, in our view, should have been easily resolved. It's a day that really started off with the excitement of a father bringing his 6-year-old son to opening day."
The event unfolded on opening day, September 12, 2010, when J.C. attended the game with his son Tedy. The Patriots were to play the Cincinnati Bengals at 1 p.m.
J.C. and Tedy got to their seats at 11:30 a.m. Allegedly two NFL officials came over to the pair and asked if Tedy wanted to come down to the field for a photo. J.C. took them up on the offer and lifted Tedy over the rail.
A.S., an employee from Team Ops LLC – the Patriot's security service provider – approached J.C. about Toby being on the field without benefit of the proper credentials. The two men then engaged in a heated discussion for 15 minutes.
When J.C. returned to his seat he started to breathe heavily and then slumped over. There were attempts made to revive him on the field, however, they were unsuccessful.
According to the suit, J.C. "died as a result of cardiac arrest that was precipitated by agitation and stress."
A lawyer and sports blog writer, Brett Snider, commented that the plaintiffs must prove that the team was negligent in allowing the altercation between J.C. and the guard to occur.
Before the next Patriots game a moment of silence was held by the team. An auction that was held for the family included an autographed Tom Brady jersey donated by the Patriots. Andre Tippet, a former Patriot star, also attended J.C.'s wake.
Damages sought include compensation for expected net income, services, protection, care, assistance, society, companionship, guidance, counsel and advice. J.C. leaves behind his wife, son and a daughter.
Loosing a loved one unexpectedly, and at great cost both emotionally and financially, is difficult. However, if someone else is to blame for your loss, contact a personal injury lawyer to file a lawsuit right away!