Robert Champion, a talented drum major who played in the infamous Florida A&M University marching band, was beaten to death in a hazing prank aboard a charter bus following last fall’s Florida Classic. His parents, who have already filed a wrongful death suit against the charter bus company and the bus driver, are planning to file a wrongful death suit against Florida A&M this Wednesday. The parents announced months ago that they were planning on bringing suit against the school, but a family spokesperson confirmed that the suit will be filed this week. Florida law required that the parent’s wait at leas six months before filing suit because the University is a state institution.
On the day of his death, November 19, 2011, Champion was aboard a parked charter bus when he was pummeled by his band mates and beaten until he died. Eight months after his death, eleven people were charged with felony hazing in connection with Champion’s death. Recently, Florida A&M released records stating that the Dean of Students recommended that the band be given a long-term suspicion because of hazing complaints only three days before Champion’s death. The former University police chief also claimed that he pushed top administrations to disband the band.
Florida A&M has been nationally criticized for not doing more to prevent the hazing that occurs at the university. Since Champion’s death, a slew of band hazing allegations have come to light, leading to four others being charged with hazing related crimes. Two band professors have been forced to resign after evidence showed that hazing activities took place at their homes. Currently, Senate President Don Gaetz and State Senator David Simmons are looking for answers regarding the hazing problems that have been occurring at Florida A&M University.
Robert Champion’s family to file lawsuit on Wednesday, www.sun-sentinel.com July 9, 2012.
Many believe that hazing only occurs on sports teams and in Greek organizations, when in reality, it can occur in almost any type of group setting. Florida A&M University negligently turned a blind eye to a culture of hazing and as a result, a promising young man lost his life. The Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at the Friedland | Carmona understand that no person should suffer any injuries, nor should anyone lose this life, at the hands of another. The Coral Gables wrongful death lawyers at the Friedland | Carmona have dedicated over twenty years to helping victims’ families receive justice for their loved one’s deaths. If your loved one has died as a result of another person’s assault, contact the Miami trial attorneys today; they can help you receive the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering. Don’t hesitate–Call (305) 661-2008 today for your free consultation.
The Miami wrongful death attorneys at the Friedland | Carmona handle all types of personal injury accidents throughout the state of Florida, including Boca Raton, Homestead, North Miami, South Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Pembroke Pines, Hialeah, Kendall, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach. The Friedland | Carmona handles all types of personal injury cases, including wrongful death, defective products, medical malpractice, slip and falls and construction site injuries. Call today and let our family take care of your family!