Several families vacationing in Florida on February 20, 1997, were struck by tragedy when powerful winds generated deadly rip currents, resulting in the drowning deaths of jazz guitarist and father Zachary Breaux and the 66-year-old woman he tried to rescue, Eugenie Poleyeff.
The wrongful death suits filed by both families after the incident contended that the area’s city-managed beaches should have been staffed with lifeguards who could have posted warning flags when water conditions grew dangerous. In a recent phase of the ten-year-long legal proceedings, a previously awarded verdict of $5.75 million was upheld in federal court. The case also impacted Florida’s beach safety procedures in a separate Supreme Court ruling.
Have you or your family been impacted by negligence on the part of a municipality or government agency? If so, we can help. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.
The Heller Law Firm
Helping Injured Persons and Families Since 1974: Protection When You Need it the Most
- About us:
- The lawyers at The Heller Law Firm are dedicated to protecting the rights of those who are catastrophically injured or whose family member has been killed by the negligent or wrongful conduct of others, product malfunctions/failures, injuries on premises and medical malpractice. From broken bones to brain injuries, the lawyers at The Heller Law Firm are qualified to handle all types of personal injury and wrongful death claims including those arising out of motor vehicle accidents (including pedestrians, passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and big-rigs), medical malpractice (including failure to diagnose illness, birth trauma and wrongful life/birth), premises liability, products liability, slip/trip and fall.