if both your parents died in a fire would you settle out of court?

Question

my parents both died in a fire . the lawyers want me to sighn a no blame settlement in exchange for the death settlement. would you sighn the release not to disclaim who the parties were to blame in exchange for that settlement the lawyers want me to otherwise it will go to court but the settlement is a good one but they walk away without it going public

Answer 1

i wouldn't. its too much of a way out for them, especially if anything else comes up in the future, once you sign that you can never argue any case based off it. Plus, whats the likely hood that you wouldn't win if you took them to court for whatever happened. If it goes public they are at risk of losing face whatever company they are, find out what its really worth to them. You know they got hella warnings and knew they where at risk. I'm sure your lawyer could subpoena information from the local fire department. Especially if they had been warned before and you know they where. Anyways, i hope you make the best decision for you, and what will make you fill good about what you did, not just happy. You can stand up, make it go public so no one else has to go through what you will now have to, you can even pursue the fire department if they slacked on their annual inspections as well as occupancy and exit access and signage, there's hella stuff i can go on about. I just got certified as a high rise fire safety director for work, and the fire dept usually makes changes because of stuff like this that goes public. either way good luck, and sorry for the loss.

Answer 2

With the way law and courts can tie things up indefinitely ....I suggest that you take the "good" settlement unless the circumstances are such that A. There is a good chance that things won't change and someone else could get hurt B. you don't need the money and wish to make your point publicly.
If you bankrupt the company by tarnishing their business reputation you are likely to get an award in name only and due to the bankruptcy you'll never see a dime of the award ...since in bankruptcy ....creditors get paid first.

Answer 3

I think that only you can decide this because it's your pain and agony. You have to decide what is in your best interest. On the one hand, you want them to accept responsibility. On the other hand, you have a right to compensation for your loss. Although nothing could possibly replace your parents, the only way to truly make an institution pay is through monetary loss. I'm concerned that you may have some concerns of guilt over settling out of court. Don't. Only you know the factors that pertain to this story and, again, you have the right to compensation (as if it's really possible) and to move on. You're going to have to follow your heart. God bless you.

Answer 4

Well, litigation is always a fun road to wander.. but might take a long time to dispute and reach a judgment.

Didn't your own attorney give you insight on this issue and give you guidance of whether you should go to court or take the money and run?

Ultimately it's going to come down to what you are seeking, as the first answerer put it: cash or justice. Also, you can possibly get a LOT more out of it by letting it go to court, but will take longer... As for me, I would have to weigh the amount of money for which they are willing to settle, and ask myself if that amount of money alone would suffice to allow me to take a very early retirement... if so, then yes, I would take the settlement.

Good luck in your choices, and sincere condolances to you in the loss of your parents.

Answer 5

Depends on how much, and how badly do you want to make a point!

I can't give you advice on what to do! That has to come from within you!

Of course they don't want to be blamed. That leaves it open for everyone else to sue them as well!

And sure the lawyers want to settle, a quick payday, minimizing any expense those who were responsible for your parents have to shell out!

Of course, not settling could leave you in court for years, and no matter how big you see jury awards in the newspaper, what never appears is how much the judge knocked it down to! I would like to see any large award that wasn't knocked down! I am sure it has happened, but I can't recall any!

Do what you feel is best for you and your parents!

Answer 6

It all comes down to whether you trust your lawyer's advice, or not. If you don't fire him and just get another one. Don't let your personal feelings get in the way of business.There are many other ways to get revenge after the settlement is done.

Answer 7

If there were extenuating circumstances, I'd take it to court. Sounds like the lawyers just want a quick buck and want you to settle quickly. What caused the fire, how is someone else to blame? can it be proven?

Answer 8

I'd say settle out of court if their deaths meant nothing to you, and the only thing that DOES matter to you is money. How much are they offering for your integrity, anyway?

Don't forget, these were YOUR parents, the people that brought you into this world, and that the attorneys couldn't care less about anything but a fat paycheck.

If they are trying to settle out of court, it's because they know they are guilty, and going to trial is going to destroy them. Take them to trial, make them REALLY pay for criminal negligence.

The fact that you even ask this question is disgusting, in my opinion.

Answer 9

it incredibly is kinda trickey. in basic terms about all those contracts are legal in a feeling. it incredibly is in basic terms like a great corporation agreeing to pay a freelance in return the words of the contract are to no longer be disclosed. you could desire to talk to A legal expert in this!!!!!!!!!!! in spite of the incontrovertible fact that it looks like the guy knows they're at fault for the fire and elect somebody in charge if the actuality comes out.

Answer 10

It depends on what you want out of it - cash or justice.