Some of the families of students and staff killed or wounded in the Parkland mass shooting are filing a wave of lawsuits against the Broward School District, Broward Sheriff’s Office and others they accuse of being negligent in their duties to keep schools safe.
Thirteen law firms representing 26 families and survivors announced they are filing 20 lawsuits targeting the failures to take responsibility for negligent behavior that lead to the tragedy, said Todd Michaels, of The Haggard Law Firm. Some of the lawsuits were filed today. A news conference was scheduled for 10:30 this morning in Fort Lauderdale to discuss the lawsuits.
“Actions speak louder than words and the victims and victims’ families have been very patient,” he said in a statement. “It has become clear that the School Board has no intention of taking responsibility the families have asked for, so the patience of these families and survivors who have waited to officially file their lawsuits has ended.”
The law firm represents the families of students Joaquin Oliver and teacher Scott Beigel, as well as injured teacher Stacey Lippel.
The shooter killed 17 students and staff, and wounded 17 others at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High on Feb. 14, 2018. Some of the attorneys have indicated their lawsuits will help spark safety changes to further protect other families from such tragedy.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
wkroustan@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4303 or Twitter @WayneRoustan
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