Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: US News
Lisa McLoughlin
The families of four children who were shot and injured in the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas are suing the estate of shooter Salvador Ramos for $100 million.
Injury attorney Thomas Henry, who is representing all four of the families, said his clients were seeking damages for suffering severe injuries to the face, leg, shoulder and back, as well as mental trauma stemming from watching their classmates and teachers die.
The lawsuit states that 'each of these children have undergone extensive medical care'.
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"Some have undergone multiple surgeries, they have all suffered severe physical injuries and unimaginable emotional trauma. They witnessed their friends and teachers being shot and dying in front of them."
Ramos’ mother, Adriana Reyes, is named as a potential defendant since her son’s estate does not yet have an official representative, according to Fox News.
The plaintiffs – who include Christopher Salinas, father of Samuel, 10; Oscar Orona, father of Noah, 10; Cristina Olivarez and Angelica Rodriguez, mother of Leann – are accusing the 18-year-old shooter of assault and battery with a deadly weapon and intentional infliction of emotional distress and malice.
The families are also demanding a trial by jury.
Henry’s firm will also investigate the weapons and ammunition Ramos used in the mass shooting that killed 19 students, two teachers and injured a further 17 at Robb Elementary School.
Henry said in a statement: “This initial lawsuit will allow us to discover evidence and possibly add other parties to the lawsuit, if necessary, the discovery process will focus on the school system, law enforcement, social media, and gun and ammunition manufacturers.”
The latest case comes days after the parents of one of the children killed in the Uvalde school shooting took the first steps towards suing the gun manufacturer.
Alfred Garza III lost his 10-year-old daughter, Amerie Jo, in the horrific incident.
The shooter was found to have bought two AR-15-style assault rifles prior to the shooting, one of which was manufactured by the company Daniel Defense.
As the community continues to try and heal, Garza made clear his plans to take legal action by sending a letter to Daniel Defense through his lawyer, announcing his intention to investigate claims against the gunmaker.
The father also issued a notice that the company preserve all documents that may potentially be relevant to the case.
Amerie Jo's mother, Kimberly Garcia, has sent a similar letter of her own.
A press release cited by ABC News revealed Garza is being represented by Texas-based attorneys Mikal Watts and Charla Aldous as well as Josh Koskoff, who previously obtained a $73 million settlement to nine families of victims in the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677