Indiana Injury Lawyer Blog

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers, unfortunately, have more devastating news to announce concerning the Indiana State Fair Stage Collapse Accident. Indiana State Police now say a 7th person will die imminently from injuries sustained from the Sugarland Concert Accident. The Marion County Coroner's Office identified this victim as 24 year old Meagan Toothman from Cincinnati, Ohio. She was a cheerleading coach at a local Cincinnati high school. Earlier today, the Indiana State Police announced Toothman's death but later retracted it. Officials said she is on life support so her organs can be harvested.

The initial six fatal victims of August 13th's Concert Accident are Jenny Haskell, Tammy Vandam, Alina Bigjohnny, Christina Santiago, Nathan Byrd and Glenn Goodrich. Both Byrd and Goodrich were apparently working at the time of the stage collapse. However, it is not yet confirmed if Indiana Work Comp issues will come into play. Indiana Workers Compensation deals with injuries or deaths that occur to workers while they are on the job. Experienced Indianapolis Work Comp Lawyers can help victims and their families determine if they are entitled to worker's compensation benefits. Thus, it's important for victims to seek out legal representation to help guide them through the legal process.

However, many victims and their families are, understandably, still dealing with the initial physical and emotional impact of the Sugarland Concert Accident. Immediately following the stage collapse, more than 40 people were hurt and sought treatment at local Indianapolis hospitals. Now, more than a week later, reports are more than ten victims are still in hospitals, and some apparently have severe injuries.

As for who is responsible for the Main Grandstand stage rigging collapse, many investigators are looking into this. You'll recall strong winds estimated at about 70 mph blew through the Indiana State Fairgrounds as the stage fell. The winds followed a severe thunderstorm warning for Marion County. Fair officials have admitted the rigging structure was not inspected prior to the accident.

This tragedy is prompting some Indiana state officials and the Indiana State Fair Commission to consider building a permanent outdoor stage at the fairgrounds. Several other midwestern states like Iowa and Illinois have done this. Indiana State Representative David Niezgodski says Indiana should look into whatever is necessary to make the Indiana State Fair safer. He said officials and lawmakers will be examining several options to make the fair as safe as possible. Early estimates put the cost of building an outdoor permanent stage at $10 million.