(CBS DETROIT) – More victims of a fatal accident at Swan Boat Club in Monroe County in which two children died, have joined a lawsuit against the driver and the bar where she was served drinks beforehand.
“Every one of my clients has described being able to talk. At first they thought this was a bomb that had been planted and blown up,” said attorney Jon Marko.
“The way this building is positioned in relation to the road, where people are driving, is dangerous.”
The complaint, that was initially submitted by Mariah Doddsthe mother of 4-year-old Zayn and 8-year-old Alanah, is suing 66-year-old Marshella Chidester, who police suspect was driving drunk when she allegedly crashed into the boat club on April 20.
Chidester has since posted a bond.
The lawsuit was amended to now include seven more people as plaintiffs. One victim was said to have suffered from a traumatic brain injury, and another said he witnessed both his wife and daughter being seriously injured.
In addition to Chidester’s name, the complaint also named Verna’s Tavern, where authorities say Chidester was a customer before the crash, as well as the boat club and three insurance companies.
“As a beverage company you are partly liable for the damage caused,” Marko said.
“Many cannot go to work. Many cannot cope with this tragedy.”
The lawsuit includes new photos from when the crash first occurred, showing how chaotic the scene was after the wreck. We are told that medical care is of great importance to the victims. That is why the lawsuit asks the insurance companies to pay out.
“Because there was a car involved that crashed into the swan boat club, a lot of the medical bills for these people who had car insurance have to be paid,” Marko said.
Attorneys for the plaintiffs say an estate is being created for Alanah and Zayn. That will be added to the lawsuit.
Terell Bailey
