Why would his family be liable? This makes no sense.
Apparently young Mr. Joho should have been able to anticipate that if he were to accidently be hit by an oncoming train as a result of poor judgement on his part, that flying body-parts (his) would be dangerous and might hit and injure innocent bystanders.
I think that’s it.
I imagine its the same as driving too fast for conditions on an icy road, lose control and crash into another car. You are responsible for the injuries you cause, even though you may have been killed in the crash, and your estate can be sued for damages.
His family isn’t liable, his estate is. He was grossly negligent and an innocent person was injured as a result of his negligence. That person has a claim against his estate.
It’s his estate, not his family that is responsible; a subtle difference in the case of an 18 year-old perhaps. Sad all around though
“Why would his family be liable? This makes no sense.”
Sorry, but if you do something stupid, killing yourself and a family member of mine, I’m going after your estate.
His family would not be liable, his estate would be. It was his negligence just before he was gathered to his people that was the cause of the lady’s injuries.