Ex-Yankee Star's Widow Losses Wrongful Death Suit
Thirty-four year old, former NY Yankee star pitcher Cory Lidle, and his flight instructor, lost their lives in October, 2006, when the small plane they flew crashed into a Manhattan high-rise.
Lidle's wife blamed the aircraft's manufacturer, and sued for wrongful death in US District Court.
From news reports, the case turned on whether there was a defect in the plane's flight control system.
This case was a courtroom battle between expert witnesses. Ms. Lidle's said that there was a defect. The defense said that the crash was not due to equipment failure, one attorney declaring "As pilots, they made some mistakes"...
The statutory definition of wrongful death is a death caused by "a wrongful act, neglect or default". In this trial, which began in late April, the jury did not find proof of neglect or default by the airplane manufacturer.
