Lesbian files lawsuit in death of partner in Indiana Fair stage collapse
Mon. August 22, 2011 11:41 PM by GoPride.com News Staff
Indianapolis -
A lesbian has filed a lawsuit against the Indiana State Fair after her partner, Tammy VanDam, was killed in the Sugarland stage collapse.
Janeen Beth Urschel, 49, is not the only plaintiff; attorney Kenneth Allen is also suing on behalf of VanDam's 17-year-old daughter.
The lawsuit, which seeks $50 million for VanDam's estate and $10 million for Urschel, lists not only the State Fair and the State of Indiana, but also Mid-America Sound (stage rigging), Live 360 (booker), Live Nation (ie, Ticketmaster).
Six people were killed and 45 injured when the stage collapsed on Aug. 13. Some of the survivors are still hospitalized.
Allen also plans to fight the fact that Indiana law does not recognize a lesbian or gay partner in wrongful death lawsuits, said the IndyStar.
Another lesbian, Christina Santiago of Chicago, was also killed in the stage collapse, and her partner, Alisha Marie Brennon, was injured.
Janeen Beth Urschel, 49, is not the only plaintiff; attorney Kenneth Allen is also suing on behalf of VanDam's 17-year-old daughter.
The lawsuit, which seeks $50 million for VanDam's estate and $10 million for Urschel, lists not only the State Fair and the State of Indiana, but also Mid-America Sound (stage rigging), Live 360 (booker), Live Nation (ie, Ticketmaster).
Six people were killed and 45 injured when the stage collapsed on Aug. 13. Some of the survivors are still hospitalized.
Allen also plans to fight the fact that Indiana law does not recognize a lesbian or gay partner in wrongful death lawsuits, said the IndyStar.
Another lesbian, Christina Santiago of Chicago, was also killed in the stage collapse, and her partner, Alisha Marie Brennon, was injured.