Sugarland’s Equipment Insurer Sues for Indiana State Fair Stage Collapse Damages
The company that provided insurance for the equipment used by Sugarland and Sara Bareilles at the Indiana State Fair in August 2011 is suing the state and several others for damages. The lawsuit seeks monetary compensation to cover equipment harmed during the and after the stage collapse.
According to WXIN News in Indianapolis, Ind., Fireman's Fund Insurance Co. and AGCS Marine filed the lawsuit, naming the State of Indiana, the Indiana State Fair Commission, Mid-America Sound Corp., the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees Local 30, James Thomas Engineering Inc. and several others as defendants. Court documents state that adequate resistance to "minimum code specified wind speeds" was not provided, breaching an oral contract the state had with Sugarland.
As a result, Sugarland sustained property damage. The Indianapolis Star reports that in addition to the unspecified amount to cover instruments and sound equipment, the company is seeking restitution for the giant video screen that was damaged. The insurer alleges negligence.
This lawsuit comes as the deadline for lawsuits stemming from the Aug. 13, 2011 tragedy passes. Seven were killed and dozens more injured when a 60MPH gust of wind toppled the temporary structure. Last week, a February 2014 trial date was set for the 60 people suing Sugarland and the companies responsible for building the stage. More lawsuits could be coming, as the two-year deadline allows all lawsuits postmarked by Tuesday (Aug. 13) to be accepted. The Indianapolis Business Journal reports that Fireman's filed on Aug. 9.