On March 22, 2013, a large flight information sign at the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport in Birmingham, Alabama fell on a family returning home from a Florida vacation. The flight information sign, which was made of metal and glass and weighed as much as 400 pounds, was part of a $200 million airport renovation. The falling sign severely injured a mother, three children and killed 10-year-old Luke Bresette.
Now, over a year later, a settlement has finally been reached on the family’s wrongful death lawsuit. The family filed a negligence suit against the contractors that were involved in the design, manufacturing, and installation of the sign. According to the family’s attorney, the amount of compensation is reasonable and is commensurate with the losses suffered by the family. The terms of the settlement, by agreement and out of respect for the privacy of the family, are confidential. The attorney for the family has reported that the subject sign has been removed from the airport and the terminal has “entirely different signs, all fixed to the floor and to the wall.”
In honor of Luke, the family has created the Live Like Luke Foundation, which will help other children affected by tragedy or hardships realize their dreams. According to his mother, Luke was a very happy and joyful child who tried to put a smile on others’ faces. The foundation will help carry forth his name and love for life.
If you or someone you know has been injured or killed due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another, contact an attorney at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by calling (713) 222-7211 or 713-222-7211.