Venus Williams Cites Contributory Negligence in Florida Wrongful Death Suit

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on July 26, 2017

Tennis star Venus Williams has responded to a Florida wrongful death lawsuit stemming from a June fatal car accident that she was involved in that left a 78 year old man dead. According to legal documents, Williams denies that she contributed in any way to the death or injuries of the other passengers. Instead, she cites contributory negligence, arguing that the plaintiffs were negligent in their failure to wear seatbelts and that this was the sole cause of their injuries and the death. The defense also claims that the vehicle owners failed to properly maintain and repair their vehicle and that this too contributed to their injuries/death.

The news follows the plaintiffs’ request that Williams produce her phone records. They claim that security camera footage shows her moving her hand towards her face before the collision and argue that this is indicative that she was texting or talking on her phone while driving. Such an act would be considered negligent and, in all likelihood, would make Williams at least partially responsible for the injuries and death.

The car accident resulted when the plaintiff was driving their Hyundai Accent when it t-boned Williams at an intersection in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The plaintiff’s husband was taken to the hospital with internal bleeding and organ damage. He died from the injuries two weeks later. The plaintiff alleges that Williams is at fault as she turned left into the plaintiff’s path and that they had the legal right of way. Williams, on the other hand, argues that her signal was green when she turned and that she couldn’t get clear of the intersection because of traffic ahead of her.

Although this is a very high profile case, it demonstrates how complex and contentious personal injury and wrongful death claims can be. As can be seen here, when there’s possible multiple parties at fault, triggering a contributory negligence defense, the need for an experienced Orlando personal injury attorney becomes non-negotiable.

In order to get the compensation you deserve, schedule a free initial consultation with the attorneys at the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.