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Indiana Not Liable For Collapse Damages
Indiana can’t be held accountable for monetary damages against Mid-America Sound Corp., which is being sued for a stage collapse that killed seven and injured dozens more before a concert at the Indiana State Fair in August, 2011, a judge has ruled.
Marion County Superior Court Judge Theodore Sosin said the state’s fair commission doesn’t have any financial responsibility in the suit, according to the Indianapolis Star.
Multiple suits filed by victims against Mid-America Sound and other companies have been rolled into a single case.
“The court made it clear that the company cannot transfer or shift its liability or legal expenses to the state and taxpayers,” Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller said March 11.
Mid-America contends its contract with the state made the commission liable for any injuries or damages after the stage was erected, attorney Robert MacGill told the paper.
While the company oversaw stage construction by laborers, he claims the state was responsible from that point on.
“We argued that the state has to defend whatever happened to the stage during its use or operation,” he said.
High winds toppled the stage onto the audience gathering before a scheduled Sugarland concert. Mid-America Sound is reportedly considering whether to appeal the ruling in the consolidated suit. Indiana has already paid out $11 million in settlements, which are capped by law, to victims and estates.