Security Firm Sues Lawyer Over Lawsuit in Iraq Death Case
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Private security contractor Blackwater USA is seeking $10 million from the attorney representing the estates of four employees killed and mutilated in Iraq, arguing their families breached the security guards' contracts by suing the company for wrongful death.A frenzied mob of insurgents ambushed Paauilo resident Wesley J.K. Batalona, Scott Helvenston, Jerko "Jerry" Zovko, and Michael R. Teague in March 2004 as they escorted a supply convoy through Fallujah, Iraq. The insurgents burned and mutilated the guards and strung two of the bodies from a bridge. . . .
[D]an Callahan, a California-based attorney representing the families, called the claim "appalling."
"This is a shock-and-awe tactic," Callahan said yesterday.
That's ten million dollars. From the lawyer. For Blackwater's dead employees. Shock-and-awe, indeed. Details here from the AP via the Honolulu Star Bulletin.
Comments
Callahan should file an anti-SLAPP motion. Blackwater is simply trying to chill the families' right to access the courts. Just my 2 cents.
Posted by: SoCal Lawyer | January 21, 2007 4:04 PM