California City Seeks Liability Limit in Death of Young Lifeguard

May 21, 2010

An insurance company has asked a federal court to limit liability by the city of Huntington Beach in the death of an 11-year-old girl who was killed during a junior lifeguard drill.

Attorneys with Navigator’s Insurance filed a petition last week, arguing that federal admiralty law limits the city’s liability to the value of the boat, which in this incident is $26,100.

Family attorney Gary Chambers issued a news release calling the company’s petition a “wasteful legal intimidation tactic” and says admiralty law does not apply to this situation.

Allysa Squirrel was killed July 14, 2009, when she was struck by a boat while training to be a lifeguard.

Her family has sued the city, claiming wrongful death caused by negligence.

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Latest Comments

  • May 25, 2010 at 11:27 am
    CJ says:
    I can certainly tell you that my 11 year old daughter would not be out in the Pacific Ocean jumping off a boat for training. What the hell is wrong with those parents. Take ... read more
  • May 25, 2010 at 8:31 am
    Aretha says:
    I always knew there was something in the Pacific coast air that prevented people in CA from using common sense. What's with these people? A young girl age 11 training to be ... read more
  • May 24, 2010 at 2:42 am
    HB Resident says:
    California Junior Lifeguard Programs. Most CA beach cities participate. They start at age 8.
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