USA: Ruling in Sandy Hook lawsuit against gun makers to be delayed due to defendant co. Remington filing for bankruptcy
"Remington’s Bankruptcy Stalls Ruling in Sandy Hook Families’ Suit", 1 Apr 2018
The lawsuit brought by family members of those killed in the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School has been watched closely over years of winding its way through the court system. But a new hurdle stands in the way of a much-awaited ruling. Remington,...a defendant in the lawsuit, recently filed for bankruptcy as its sales have declined and debts have mounted...The case is now before the Connecticut Supreme Court, where families brought an appeal with the aim of bringing the case to a jury trial. Remington’s bankruptcy does not guard the company from potential liability, but it has stalled the court from issuing a ruling on the lawsuit until the company emerges from the process...The families’ lawyers contend that the bankruptcy will ultimately have little influence on the case’s viability. “The bankruptcy proceeding doesn’t affect our claim,” said Katie Mesner-Hage, one of the lawyers representing the plaintiffs...“The only thing the process does is delay it to some degree.”...Remington will remain in business as it reorganizes and unloads hundreds of millions of dollars in debt, according to court records. The process could be expedited because the company is using a so-called prepackaged bankruptcy, which could be completed as early as May. Remington’s lawyers did not respond to messages seeking comment...