Wrongful Death Suit Filed After Junior Lifeguard Death

The parents of an 11-year-old girl who was killed during junior lifeguard training has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Huntington Beach.

Allyssa Squirrell was killed during a routine training exercise that involved jumping off the back of a moving boat into the ocean. While she was in the water, a boat driven by Marine Safety officer Greg Crow turned around and struck her. She died after sustaining severe cuts to her hip and thigh.

Allyssa's parents, Rick and Pam Squirrell, claim their daughter was killed because city employees broke three rules: to operate the boat in a safe manner, to decrease the boat's speed when within 100 feet of swimmers, and another rule about floatation devices. In addition, the Squirrells claim general negligence of the employees and negligent operation of the boat.

Allyssa's death marks the first time a junior lifeguard was killed during training since the program was first established in 1964.

When another person's negligence leads to the wrongful death of another, the victim's family has the right take legal action against the person responsible for their loss. California wrongful death laws give those who have lost a loved one due to recklessness or carelessness the right to seek justice and recover compensation for pain and suffering, funeral expenses, medical expenses, and any additional financial hardship incurred since the accident. Wrongful death benefits are also awarded cover the loss of non-economic damages, such as the loss of love, companionship, security, care, comfort, supervision, consortium, etc.

If you need help filing a wrongful death lawsuit in the San Fernando Valley, please take a moment to contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus. A San Fernando personal injury lawyer at our office can provide you with the dedicated and experienced legal counsel needed to pursue a wrongful death claim.