NEWTOWN – The parents of 10 children killed in the Sandy Hook tragedy are preparing to file – or have already filed – wrongful death claims on their children’s behalf, according to the Hartford Courant. The forms, filed in probate court, open an estate in each child’s name, and are a mandatory step that must be taken before filing a lawsuit.
The Courant reported that the first estate was opened last week, followed by eight estates on Monday. A tenth estate is in the process of being reopened. The probate filings do not specify against whom a lawsuit might be filed.
According to the Courant, several of the victims’ families have met with lawyers to discuss a possible lawsuit against Bushmaster, the manufacturer of the gun used by Adam Lanza. Other possible parties being considered include Nancy Lanza’s estate, the insurance company holding the policy for Nancy Lanza’s home, or the Town of Newtown because of school safety issues on the day of the tragedy.
Under Connecticut law, the families have until Sunday to present the lawsuit to a state marshal. That marshal then has 30 days to serve the parties named in the suit.
