Yamaha Rhino - Wrongful Death

Pritzker | Ruohonen, a premier personal injury law firm, is handling several cases involving Yamaha Rhino rollovers. Attorney Fred Pritzker was recently interviewed by NBC affiliate KSBY regarding Yamaha Rhino rollovers and the wrongful death of a 12-year-old girl in California.

The Yamaha Rhino rollover that allegedly led to the wrongful death of the 12-year-old girl happened at a slow speed, according to the girl’s father, “The slow speed my daughter was going when this happened and I saw the tire tracks, it tipped really easy.”

According to KSBY, the girl was “crushed when the Yamaha Rhino she was on rolled over and landed on top of her near California Valley.” The KSBY story goes on to state that “At least four other children have been killed on Rhinos and dozens have been seriously injured.”

Yamaha Rhino - Wrongful Death Lawsuit Information

When someone dies due to a defective product, the law allows the heirs and next of kin of the decedent to make a claim against the manufacturer and others for compensation. This is called a “wrongful death claim.”

Wrongful Death Trustee

The person who brings a wrongful death claim is usually called a “trustee.” He or she is appointed by a judge to bring the wrongful death claim on behalf of all of the heirs (spouse and blood relatives) of the person who died—in this case in a Yamaha Rhino rollover.

Compensation for Loss
A wrongful death lawsuit is not a criminal prosecution. Only state or federal prosecutors can bring criminal charges. The sole reason for a wrongful death claim is to compensate the heirs of the decedent for their loss.

Each state has different laws about the type of losses for which wrongful death compensation is allowed.

• All states allow for the recovery of lost income the decedent would have provided his loved ones.
• Most states do not allow recovery for grief or anger suffered by the surviving heirs, but do allow money damages for the loss of advice, care, comfort and companionship the deceased would have provided had he or she lived.
• Some states also allow money damages for the pain and suffering of the deceased person prior to death.