This is going to happen in every fatality, be prepared

Liam Neeson calls instructor who was with wife Natasha Richardson during fatal fall

Several news sources are reporting that the surviving spouse of Natasha Richardson Liam Neeson called and talked to the ski instructor who was with his wife when she fell.

“He was very dignified and never sought to blame anyone — he just wanted to understand what happened for his own peace of mind.”

People want closure. People want to know what happened. People want to know why their loved one is no longer with them. The people who were with them, who rescued them, who assisted are going to be contacted so people can learn what happened.

Blame comes later, usually after you follow your attorney or insurance company’s advice and refuse to talk to the family. What would you do if you wanted to know what happened to a deceased loved one and the people who knew refused to talk to you? Would you get mad, would you work harder at finding out, would you get help to learn what happened?

Help in these cases usually comes in the form of an attorney.

For more articles about this see It’s Not Money, Another case where anger starts and continues a lawsuit., I write sometimes about emotions: anger, frustration or grief, Grieving Father starts organization to make skiing safer and Serious Disconnect: Why people sue. For articles about this issue in the Outdoor Recreation Law Review see Non-participating spouses signatures on releases are essential and Case Brief: Case against summer camp offers great insight into Massachusetts release law.