The families of two victims killed by a drunk driver in 2010 have filed wrongful death suits against the man behind the wheel. The wrongful death suits were filed in Philadelphia County, where one of the victims is from, and seek more than $50,000 in damages.

The driver in the crash that claimed three lives had his blood alcohol content measured at 0.23. According to a Virginia Tech study, that level of inebriation can cause severe motor impairment and the loss of memory. Sure enough, the drunk driver had to give an account of the night leading up to the car crash as part of his plea deal, and he did not remember part of the evening. He also stated he had 15 to 20 beers over the course of the night.

The man will serve up to 18 years in jail for his negligent decision to drive under the influence of alcohol.

Many bars around Philadelphia and the organizers of a bus trip to a hockey game were cited in the wrongful death suits, as the families accused them of continuing to serve the man even in his apparent drunken state - an illegal act according to Pennsylvania law. The man's designated driver is also accused in the suit, with the claim stating he left him after the hockey game.

When someone injures, incapacitates or fatally harms another person with a reckless or negligent act, they are liable for the victim's suffering. May it be medical bills or the loss of life, a wrongful death suit can earn the victim or the victim's family compensation for the unexpected situation they are placed in. An awarded settlement may not bring back a loved one, but it can help support your family during a time of uncertainty and healing.

Source: The Express-Times, "Families of Anthony Bruno victims file wrongful death suit," Sara K. Satullo, Jan. 31, 2012