The financial struggles of the United States are pervading all aspects of life, including those that may not be obviously affected until something tragic happens. For instance, an incident involving a 12-year-old girl highlighted the devastating effects that cuts to school budgets may be having on the Pennsylvania community.
One Pennsylvania father believes his daughter may still be alive, if it was not for budget cuts to the Philadelphia School District.
His loss stems from an asthma attack. His 12-year-old apparently began feeling sick during school. However, she could not visit the school nurse because of budget cuts. In light of the cuts, the school nurse is no longer available every day. When the girl began feeling ill, it was on a day that the nurse was not working. The girl died later that day from complications.
Now, the father is considering filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the school for the girl’s death. He, along with other parents, believe that Pennsylvania schools are dangerous places for students as a result of the budget cuts.
Wrongful death lawsuits filed in response to the death of a child can be complicated, however. The general purpose of a wrongful death case is to help a family recover the pecuniary loss they suffer as a result of the loss of a loved one. When it comes to a child, the financial loss may not be obvious, and is typically quite small.
A wrongful death attorney can help evaluate whether and how exactly to proceed with a lawsuit for a child’s death. There are some important things to consider about a lost child, including: age, life expectancy, work expectancy and earning potential. These may not be considerations that a parent thinks about during a time of loss.
Source: The Huffington Post, “Dad Suggests Laporshia Massey’s Death May Have Been A Result Of Philadelphia School Budget Cuts,” Rebecca Klein, Oct. 11, 2013