The state of Indiana has settled a class action lawsuit with 63 of 65 claimants following the previously reported Aug. 13 stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair, according to Rolling Stone.
Photo Credit: Joey Foley/Getty Images
Each claimant received $300,000 as well as compensation from fair officials, who have distributed nearly $800,000 in donations to the victims and their families. Of the five million dollars in compensation made available, only $2,000 has yet to be claimed, and fair officials are still trying to contact two claimants who have not accepted monetary offers.
This is the first lawsuit to be settled stemming from the tragic events on August 13. A second suit involving 44 claimants was filed last month holding Sugarland, as well as producers and other stage hands responsible on the claim that they made the decision to play despite dangerous weather.
According to the plaintiff’s attorney Mario Massillamany, Sugarland’s contract gave the performers final say on whether the show should be canceled due to weather. “Unfortunately, this tragedy could have been prevented if the responsible parties had been concerned about the concertgoers that night,” Massillamany said in a statement.
Check back for future updates on this case, and as always, MXDWN would like to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to all those affected by this tragedy.