Americans are becoming accustomed to news headlines that tell stories about mass tragedies that have taken place. It's become so frequent that many glaze over the headlines, while others merely shake their head at the thought of "another one." While many people are busy sending "thoughts and prayers" to the victims and their families, those involved in the tragedy must seek justice. In doing so, they must work with an attorney who specializes in mass tragedy cases to properly and effectively navigate the complexities involved.
"We’ve worked on enough mass tragedy cases to know that there are complex issues that must be considered," said Stefano Formica of Formica Law Group in Los Angeles. "Working with the right attorney makes a world of difference on something like this.”
According to research published in the journal Academic Forensic Pathology, most mass fatality accidents result in between 10 and 50 fatalities. During the research period from 2000 to 2016, there were an average of eight such incidents per year. However, that number would be higher if there were an agreed-upon definition of a "mass shooting" or other mass tragedy. According to the Pew Research Center, there is no single, agreed-upon definition, which makes it difficult to calculate the number of such tragic events.
Not all mass tragedies or incidents involve shooters or death. Many other incidents take place that leave people with significant health issues, psychological distress, and change their lives forever. Formica is working on one such case, in which there was a tragic mass accident at the Festival of Lights Parade in Palm Springs, Calif., in December 2024, where a peace officer allegedly caused serious injury while on duty and remains on the payroll. His firm is investigating issues such as unequal treatment, lack of accountability, delayed transparency, and motorcycle profiling. The case involves 15 people who were injured and were spectators of the parade.
Those who are involved in mass incidents should consider the following tips for hiring an attorney to represent them:
Seek out experience. Always work with an attorney who has experience in mass tragedies. They are more complex than those that are not mass incidents and require in-depth expertise. Many attorneys who are hired for mass cases, especially those without such experience, turn to Formica for assistance, which is why he's considered the "Lawyer's Lawyer." Working with an attorney who lacks experience in mass tragedy cases could be a tragedy in itself.
Verify their qualifications. Always take the time to verify the credentials, including trial experience. Anyone can claim to have experience working on such cases, but that doesn't necessarily mean they have anything to back it up. Doing a little research and homework can go a long way toward protecting one's interests.
Don’t sign anything without representation. Never say or sign anything without having trusted legal representation present. Some people try to take advantage of those who are emotionally distraught, which further victimizes them.
Consider emotional distress. The psychological distress that people experience during and following a mass tragedy is impactful and life-changing. It should be considered in every such incident and taken into account when seeking legal recourse. It's imperative to work with an attorney who understands the depth and importance of the emotional toll that mass tragedies take on people.
Compassion counts. The attorney that someone works with should have compassion for the situation and the victims. Being sensitive to the needs of the victims and their families, and understanding the emotional trauma, is crucial. People need to feel understood and heard, which helps with their healing process.
"Nobody wants to think about being in a mass tragic event, but they happen without warning, and when it does, there has to be accountability,” said Formica. “We work diligently to help victims of mass tragedies, along with their families, and other attorneys who are working their cases.”
Formica is a well-experienced trial attorney who only takes cases that focus on wrongful death and catastrophic and serious injuries. Formica is considered a "lawyers lawyer," because so many lawyers turn to him for assistance on significant or complex cases. Stefano Formica is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), which is one of the nation’s most effective organizations in championing the ethics, professionalism, and principles of the legal profession. Formica is also a champion when it comes to giving back to the community, participating yearly in a variety of events that help individuals and families, including providing people with food or new opportunities.
To contact Formica Law Group or get more information about the firm, visit their website at: https://winwithus.com/.
