Kailua Family Sues Federal Agent For Wrongful Death In Elderts v. Deedy
The family of a Kailua man killed by a federal agent at a Waikiki McDonalds has filed a wrongful death action against the agent, Christopher Deedy. The wrongful death complaint alleges that Deedy’s actions were malicious, grossly negligent and reckless when he “assaulted, battered and shot Kolin Ederts.”
A wrongful death complaint is a civil complaint based on the careless, reckless or negligent conduct of another that leads to someone’s death. A wrongful death action can occur in any personal injury situation and may be brought by the surviving members of a victim’s family. Generally this includes the parents, spouse and children of a victim. If you believe you have lost a love one due to the wrongful actions of another, it is important to consult with a Hawaii wrongful death attorney to determine your next steps. While no amount of money can make up for the death of a loved one, in certain circumstances, you may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, lost future earnings, as well as pain and suffering.
In the Waikiki incident, Deedy faces both criminal charges – he has been indicted on shooting charges – and the civil negligence lawsuit. The wrongful death suit alleged that Deedy “initiated violence against (Elderts) by kicking (Elderts) in the chest with a martial arts maneuver, knocking (Elderts) to the ground. The negligence complaint further alleges that Deedy “used excessive and undue force,” and was grossly negligent and reckless for “going drinking while armed with a loaded pistol.”
While in some situations criminal charges arise out of the same conduct that creates a wrongful death action, it is not necessary. Civil wrongful death actions are a separate legal proceeding brought on behalf of a grieving family and may arise out any injury situation including car accidents, premises liability and medical malpractice.
For more information or if you believe the negligent and wrongful conduct of another has lead to the death of a loved one, please contact the experienced and compassionate Hawaii personal injury attorneys at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP.
