The Florida Supreme Court ruled this week that a Palm Beach County woman can move forward with her lawsuit against the government and a private research lab responsible for making anthrax.
The woman’s husband, Bob Stevens, died after being exposed to anthrax in 2001. The anthrax spores were traced to the Ohio lab named in the lawsuit. Five people in total died from exposure to the deadly substance. Stevens’ widow filed a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit against the government and the research lab responsible for releasing the anthrax. It is the first time the U.S. government has been sued in relation to liability in a biological attack.
The Florida Supreme Court ruled that a lab working with hazardous materials has an obligation to protect the general public from the release of these materials. Therefore, they are allowing Ms. Stevens to go ahead with her lawsuit.
This may have been a big step forward for Ms. Stevens, but this case most likely will not be resolved for several years. As of now, Ms. Stevens’ personal injury attorney is still being denied access to the evidence of this case. The government has restricted his access, claiming national security issues are at stake.
Many people in the legal world are anxiously awaiting the resolution of this case, as it could set a new precedent for what the government will be held liable for in a court of law.
It is important to consult an experienced personal injury lawyer if you have a loved one who has been the victim of wrongful death. You most likely may be eligible to collect damages to compensate you for your loss.
If you need the services of a personal injury attorney in the Boca Raton, Florida area, please contact the law offices of Ellis, Ged & Bodden, P.A. today to schedule an initial consultation.
