Airplane crash: Failure to maintain power and air speed: Wrongful deaths: Settlement

Law Reporter, Jun 2004

In re Wrongful Deaths of Wellstone et al., Minn., settled before filing, Aug. 21, 2003.

Senator Paul Wellstone, 58; his wife, 58; their daughter, 33; and three of his campaign staff members, McEvoy, 49; Lapic, 49; and McLaughlin, 23, were traveling in an airplane when the plane crashed. All the passengers suffered fatal injuries. Wellstone and his wife are survived by two adult sons. Their daughter is survived by her husband and minor son. McEvoy is survived by her husband and three minor children. Lapic is survived by his wife, and McLaughlin is survived by his mother and seven adult siblings.

The victims' surviving spouses and next-of-kin claimed the aviation charter company and its affiliates were negligent in hiring, supervising, and training the crew. Claimants asserted that the pilots had failed to maintain proper power and speed.

The parties setded the case for $25 million before suit was filed. Wellstone's estate will receive $7 million, his wife's estate will receive $3.25 million, and his daughter's estate will receive $3.75 million. The Lapic estate will receive $3.25 million; the McEvoy estate $4.5 million; and the McLaughlin estate $3.25 million.

Claimants' Counsel

*Michael V. Ciresi,

*Vincent J. Moccio,

*Philip Sieff, and

*Roberta B. Walburn, all of Minneapolis, Minn.