Cherlynn Tang's family has filed an Orange County, California wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Irvine and the Great Park Corporation. They are seeking $40 million in damages.
Tang, 49, died after slipping and falling backward while attempting to exit the Great Park ice rink last February. She struck her head during the Irvine slip and fall accident and was pronounced dead at Western medical hospital two days later.
According to the Irvine wrongful death complaint, Great park officials did not properly design or maintain the temporary ice skating rink, failed to put safety rules into action, and did not have emergency officials available to help Tang after she fell. The plaintiffs contend that Tang slipped on melted water that had been allowed to accumulate on the rink. Meantime, Officials say that two monitors were at the rink to watch the skaters and that Tang did not choose to wear a helmet, which was provided as optional.
Tang, who leaves behind a husband and three children, died during a family outing on Valentine's Day. According to the family's Santa Ana wrongful death lawyer, the family continues to grieve over their loss.
Head Injuries
Striking your head during an Irvine fall accident, slip and fall accident, car accident, or sporting event can prove fatal. What may seem like a minor fall resulting in a slight bruise may really be an Orange County, California traumatic brain injury. Falling down on hard snow or ice can result in serious head injuries, as evidenced by Tang's death.
Signs that your head injury may need medical attention:
• Headaches
• Sleepiness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Irritability
• Problems speaking or walking
• Dilated pupils
• Vomiting
• Numbness or weakness in the legs or arms
• Seizures
Property owners must make sure that there are no hazards that can cause an Orange County, California slip and fall accident.
Lawsuit: Unsafe ice rink led to Great Park death, OC Register, August 3, 2010
Irvine mother dies after falling at Great Park ice rink, Los Angeles Times, February 17, 2010
Related Web Resources:
Head Injuries: What to Watch for Afterward, FamilyDoctor.org
Traumatic Brain Injury Information Page, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes
