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Wrongful death lawsuit filed against ex-Alabama star Brandon Miller

You have no idea if or what they’ll get. You don’t know what happened. Why can’t everyone just stay out of things they know nothing about? Be smart and just don’t give opinions on things where you have no facts.
You do know that you are on Rupp Rafters, right?
 
This is wrong. The standard for negligence is the same in both federal and state court. If they lose in federal court, they are not allowed to file again in state court.
Why can't they refile in state court or vice versa?

Barring a finding of collateral estoppel or res judicata by the court, it's completely possible. There is no double jeopardy in civil law. Why do you think those 2 former principles exist to begin with?

States have varying negligence laws. For instance, contributory negligence claims still exists in some states, while comparative negligence (fault) is now the majority rule for most. Most states have adopted the restatement 2nd of torts regarding tort laws in their state, but many modify or opt for a minority rule approach.
 
I do know this is not a murder trial and it's much easier to find fault. It doesn't have to be unanimous, just majority. Some people, mainly Bama fans think that Miller is innocent because he's black. Whatever the hell that means.
 
I've read everything I can about this case, including the federal lawsuit that was filed, and still don't see what Miller did that would require him to pay money. A friend left a gun in his car, eventually retrieved the gun from his car, and shot someone. I've said it before and will repeat it. I'm not a gun guy and think most people should never legally be allowed to own or possess one. But, I've lost that argument with the legislature, so if people are legally allowed to own and possess guns, how is it remotely illegal or negligent to allow someone to retrieve their legal gun from your car?
People want someone to blame and he’s the rich and famous person. Their more upset about him then the person that murdered that poor girl
 
The standard is not he "made a bad decision." They have to prove a duty owed first. He had no duty to not bring his friend a legal gun.
By reading a text bring me my gun we got a dude disrespecting us. Miller could have thought no let’s calm down. I don’t know if he will get in trouble or not. It could go either way.
 
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Unless the rules have changed since 1994 you are wrong. I was a defendant in such a case It was dismissed in Federal Court and tried in state court. The jury found for the defendants
If you are talking about criminal cases it is possible. But for a negligence case, you get one shot. They are likely in federal court because the plaintiff and the defendants have domiciles in different states.
 
Why can't they refile in state court or vice versa?

Barring a finding of collateral estoppel or res judicata by the court, it's completely possible. There is no double jeopardy in civil law. Why do you think those 2 former principles exist to begin with?

States have varying negligence laws. For instance, contributory negligence claims still exists in some states, while comparative negligence (fault) is now the majority rule for most. Most states have adopted the restatement 2nd of torts regarding tort laws in their state, but many modify or opt for a minority rule approach.
So you are clearly a lawyer or a law student just being a smart ass. I'm 87 years old and retired twice from law firms. So if you are interested in arguing the law, I am game.
 
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So you are clearly a lawyer or a law student just being a smart ass. I'm 87 years old and retired twice from law firms. So if you are interested in arguing the law, I am game.
I am very interested. Tell me what I am wrong about. Maybe you know something I don't.

How am I being a smart ass? I am literally just reiterating the general law and rules, as well as the most likely charges against Miller.
 
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If you are talking about criminal cases it is possible. But for a negligence case, you get one shot. They are likely in federal court because the plaintiff and the defendants have domiciles in different states.
The diversity part of that is going to be interesting. Will they find Miller was a resident of Bama at the time, or will he still be considered a resident of TN?
 
If you are talking about criminal cases it is possible. But for a negligence case, you get one shot. They are likely in federal court because the plaintiff and the defendants have domiciles in different states.
In the case I refer to it was most certainly civil. It involved an inmate who died in custody. It was filed in Federal court and dismissed and then in state court(Warren Circuit) where it came to trial. I lived it so I'm pretty sure it happened
 
Why should the owner of the gun be charged he just let the other guy borrow his gun?
 
People want someone to blame and he’s the rich and famous person. Their more upset about him then the person that murdered that poor girl
They're upset because he basically brings the weapon to the crime scene. I don't get why this is so hard for people to understand. If Miller says, "Nah man. I ain't coming, "
There's a very good chance no one dies.
 
In the case I refer to it was most certainly civil. It involved an inmate who died in custody. It was filed in Federal court and dismissed and then in state court(Warren Circuit) where it came to trial. I lived it so I'm pretty sure it happened
That is because the second case was a civil rights violation case, which is different than the original negligence case. Government employees, like prison guards, can violate your civil rights and that is a violation of §1983. Miller can't violate someone's civil rights. He doesn't work for the government.
 
They're upset because he basically brings the weapon to the crime scene. I don't get why this is so hard for people to understand. If Miller says, "Nah man. I ain't coming, "
There's a very good chance no one dies.
But it is not illegal to bring a legal gun somewhere. Nothing negligent about that. As I said, if we are allowed to carry guns, we are allowed to bring someone their legal gun. There has to be a breach of a duty owed and there is no duty to the public to not drive a car and let someone retrieve their legal property from that car.
 
I am very interested. Tell me what I am wrong about. Maybe you know something I don't.

How am I being a smart ass? I am literally just reiterating the general law and rules, as well as the most likely charges against Miller.
You are not reiterating any relevant law. Do you know what res ipsa loquitur is? There is absolutely no relevance here. Negligence per se, again, no relevance unless Alabama has a statute that says you are not allowed to let someone retrieve legal property from your vehicle. You are throwing legal terms around like you know what you are talking about. If you are being serious, you don't know what you are talking about. if you think by throwing a few latin words around people will believe you, you are being a smart ass.
 
But it is not illegal to bring a legal gun somewhere. Nothing negligent about that. As I said, if we are allowed to carry guns, we are allowed to bring someone their legal gun. There has to be a breach of a duty owed and there is no duty to the public to not drive a car and let someone retrieve their legal property from that car.
Not exactly accurate. If you knowingly took possession of the gun, you now have a duty of care in regards to it. Driving with a gun in itself isn't inherently dangerous, but knowingly driving a gun to someone in altercation when they have texted you for it does create a negligence situation. Depending on AL statutes, it could be negligence per se. You also have res ipsa loquitur if standard negligence or neg per se aren't available. I am not saying it's a slam dunk, but it is probably prima facie negligence to at least get through the preliminary stages.
 
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You are not reiterating any relevant law. Do you know what res ipsa loquitur is? There is absolutely no relevance here. Negligence per se, again, no relevance unless Alabama has a statute that says you are not allowed to let someone retrieve legal property from your vehicle. You are throwing legal terms around like you know what you are talking about. If you are being serious, you don't know what you are talking about. if you think by throwing a few latin words around people will believe you, you are being a smart ass.
Well, there wouldn't have to be a statute just for retrieving a gun from a car. Lol, now I am wondering if you actually know what neg per se is. 🤣

Res ipsa allows a presumption of negligence without actually showing the negligence, essentially with total reliance on circumstantial evidence. It requires the following 3 elements, and all kind of exist here:
  1. The incident was of a type that does not generally happen without negligence
  2. It was caused by an instrumentality solely in defendant’s control
  3. The plaintiff did not contribute to the cause
 
But it is not illegal to bring a legal gun somewhere. Nothing negligent about that. As I said, if we are allowed to carry guns, we are allowed to bring someone their legal gun. There has to be a breach of a duty owed and there is no duty to the public to not drive a car and let someone retrieve their legal property from that car.
So if I bring you a gun, and you use it to unalive someone, I bear absolutely NO culpability? Yeah, not buying it. And we're not talking about like a week later. What if I hand you car keys, seeing you are drunk, and you slam into someone? How about then? Miller got a text to bring a gun. What did he honestly think was going to happen? Fingerpaints? Any reasonable individual would be able to dictate this was not an intelligent decision. You may not be criminally liable, but this is a civil trial. The standard of proof is much lower. I can absolutely see 7 people find him culpable. It boils down to this, if Miller doesn't bring the shooter a gun. Does anyone die? That's the very definition of wrongful death.
 
So if I bring you a gun, and you use it to unalive someone, I bear absolutely NO culpability? Yeah, not buying it. And were not talking about like a week later. What if I hand you car keys, seeing you are drunk, and you slam into someone? How about then? Miller got a text to bring a gun. What did he honestly think was going to happen? Fingerpaints? You may not be criminally liable, but this is a civil trial. The standard of proof is much lower. I can absolutely see 7 people find him culpable.
Maybe he thought he was going to legally defend himself with a legal gun. What if it wasn't a gun we were talking about, but a jump rope, and the guy choked her with it? Would you think the same? Two equally legal items.
 
Well, there wouldn't have to be a statute just for retrieving a gun from a car. Lol, now I am wondering if you actually know what neg per se is. 🤣

Res ipsa allows a presumption of negligence without actually showing the negligence, essentially with total reliance on circumstantial evidence. It requires the following 3 elements, and all kind of exist here:
  1. The incident was of a type that does not generally happen without negligence
  2. It was caused by an instrumentality solely in defendant’s control
  3. The plaintiff did not contribute to the cause
Find me a res ipsa case. Negligence per se is when a statute creates the duty and someone the statute was intended to protect was harmed. There is no such duty here.
 
Find me a res ipsa case. Negligence per se is when a statute creates the duty and someone the statute was intended to protect was harmed. There is no such duty here.
Of course there is a duty here. You have a duty to ensure property in your possession doesn't harm others. Reasonably foreseeable ringing any bells?

I don’t need to search westlaw or nexis, I literally just laid out the elements for you. You can research for yourself if you know how.

Clearly these lawyers see a colorable claim, as they are taking it on contingency. If a settlement isn't reached, it will likely be heard in court. That usually doesn't occur when valid claims don't exist.
 
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Maybe he thought he was going to legally defend himself with a legal gun. What if it wasn't a gun we were talking about, but a jump rope, and the guy choked her with it? Would you think the same? Two equally legal items.
Actually, yes. Yes I would. Now, granted, a jump rope has other purposes besides being used as a strangulation device.

A gun has one purpose, and one purpose only- to kill. That being said, I'm pro 2nd Amendment. But that begs the question, why is Miller in possession of the gun in the first place?
 
Of course there is a duty here. You have a duty to ensure property in your possession doesn't harm others. Reasonably foreseeable ringing any bells?

I don’t need to search westlaw or nexis, I literally just laid out the elements for you. You can research for yourself if you know how.

Clearly these lawyers see a colorable claim, as they are taking it on contingency. If a settlement isn't reached, it will likely be heard in court. That usually doesn't occur when valid claims don't exist.
you do not. Find a case that says that.
 
Of course there is a duty here. You have a duty to ensure property in your possession doesn't harm others. Reasonably foreseeable ringing any bells?

I don’t need to search westlaw or nexis, I literally just laid out the elements for you. You can research for yourself if you know how.

Clearly these lawyers see a colorable claim, as they are taking it on contingency. If a settlement isn't reached, it will likely be heard in court. That usually doesn't occur when valid claims don't exist.
Lawyers file cases every day against deep pockets in an attempt to settle a case that would cost more to defend than settle. Hell, I did it for years. But if Miller defends this to the end and doesn't settle, he will win.
 
you do not. Find a case that says that.
Pretty much every negligence case. I already named Palsgraf for you, which is the primary case law on it. You should really read it and pay special attention to Cardozo's majority opinion and Andrews' minority opinion. Might help an alleged "lawyer" figure out wtf they are talking about.

Lawyers file cases every day against deep pockets in an attempt to settle a case that would cost more to defend than settle. Hell, I did it for years. But if Miller defends this to the end and doesn't settle, he will win.
Not generally on a contingency basis where they are set to suffer a loss. Particularly not in a higher profile case that will get publicity like this one. They either think they have a very good shot at settlement or feel comfortable enough going to trial. I highly doubt they want to face sanctions for filing a frivolous lawsuit and/or be sued themselves for malicious prosecution, if what you say is the case.

If you did it a lot, which I highly doubt based on your self-demonstrated lack of understanding, but if so, that would make you a pretty shady and shitty lawyer. Which, based on the conversation, does kind of track.
 
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Pretty much every negligence case. I already named Palsgraf for you, which is the primary case law on it. You should really read it and pay special attention to Cardozo's majority opinion and Andrews' minority opinion. Might help an alleged "lawyer" figure out wtf they are talking about.


Not generally on a contingency basis where they are set to suffer a loss. They either think they have a very good shot at settlement or feel comfortable enough going to trial. I highly doubt they want to face sanctions for filing a frivolous lawsuit and/or be sued themselves for malicious prosecution.

If you did it a lot, which I highly doubt based on your self-demonstrated lack of understanding, but if so, that would make you a pretty shady and shitty lawyer. Which, based on the conversation, does kind of track.
Palsgraf has to do with causation. And, if you don't think lawyers file cases every day against deep pockets that they realize they could lose, you've never done it. The fact that you are so cock sure that it is a good case gives them plausible deniability against anyone saying it is frivolous, even though it likely won't survive summary judgment based upon the facts currently known.
 
Palsgraf has to do with causation. And, if you don't think lawyers file cases every day against deep pockets that they realize they could lose, you've never done it. The fact that you are so cock sure that it is a good case gives them plausible deniability against anyone saying it is frivolous, even though it likely won't survive summary judgment based upon the facts currently known.
Palsgraf is about negligence. The appeal is about the question of liability to an unforseeable plaintiff. Duty of care and causation (the concept of proximate causation) are also addressed.

"Cardozo wrote for a 4–3 majority of the Court of Appeals, ruling that there was no negligence because the employees, in helping the man board, did not have a duty of care to Palsgraf as injury to her was not a foreseeable harm from aiding a man with a package. The original jury verdict was overturned, and the railroad won the case."

I never said it was a good case. I know too little about the facts of the case to know. However, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out it's prima facie negligence based off what is known. A jury will ultimately determine it.

If you're so sure it's not, you should really reach out and offer to represent Miller. Would be an easy payday if you're right!


So now you're saying the lawyers don't think it's frivilous, just you do? I would imagine they have a pretty good idea considering they actually have a lot of the facts. 😉

Alright, bud. Well, you're free to think as you wish, and me continuing to waste my time obviously isn't going to change that. I think I'll just let it play out and see. Clearly, if Miller settles, that means he didn't get an attorney as esteemed at this as you are. 🤣
 
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They're upset because he basically brings the weapon to the crime scene. I don't get why this is so hard for people to understand. If Miller says, "Nah man. I ain't coming, "
There's a very good chance no one dies.
Yes cause I’m sure he thought his teammate was gonna shoot a female student. If he never brings a gun no one dies ? How about if his teammate doesn’t shoot no one dies. Y’all are insane lol
 
Yes cause I’m sure he thought his teammate was gonna shoot a female student. If he never brings a gun no one dies ? How about if his teammate doesn’t shoot no one dies. Y’all are insane lol
I'm not insane. i have a damn conscience and morals. Something the State of Alabama clearly doesn't.

They are both responsible. But please, by all means, keep elevating cold blooded narcissists.
 
Yes cause I’m sure he thought his teammate was gonna shoot a female student. If he never brings a gun no one dies ? How about if his teammate doesn’t shoot no one dies. Y’all are insane lol
You're right that the shooter should have never fired the gun, but it is also correct to say Miller should have never brought the gun there. Both gentlemen were in the wrong. As such, both bear some of the consequences. Obviously, Miller should not face the same level of consequences as the shooter should, but there is some responsibility there that needs to be taken into account.

If you drop some of your basketball teammates and friends off at a bar strip one night, and you know one of them leaves you their gun, then a couple of hours later, around 1am, they text you to come pick them up and bring them their gun, aren't you likely going to wonder why they need their gun at that time? Aren't you going to think to yourself it's probably not a good idea to take a gun at the time and circumstance, particularly considering you're picking up someone who has likely been drinking and may be intoxicated? I would think most reasonable people would have some concerns about that and would likely not so eagerly bring a gun there. It really gets interesting if Miller knew about the conflict the other guys were invovled in at the bar and afterwards.
 
That is because the second case was a civil rights violation case, which is different than the original negligence case. Government employees, like prison guards, can violate your civil rights and that is a violation of §1983. Miller can't violate someone's civil rights. He doesn't work for the government.
Glad we got to the distinction in the two cases. I stand corrected
 
Palsgraf is about negligence. The appeal is about the question of liability to an unforseeable plaintiff. Duty of care and causation (the concept of proximate causation) are also addressed.

"Cardozo wrote for a 4–3 majority of the Court of Appeals, ruling that there was no negligence because the employees, in helping the man board, did not have a duty of care to Palsgraf as injury to her was not a foreseeable harm from aiding a man with a package. The original jury verdict was overturned, and the railroad won the case."

I never said it was a good case. I know too little about the facts of the case to know. However, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out it's prima facie negligence based off what is known. A jury will ultimately determine it.

If you're so sure it's not, you should really reach out and offer to represent Miller. Would be an easy payday if you're right!


So now you're saying the lawyers don't think it's frivilous, just you do? I would imagine they have a pretty good idea considering they actually have a lot of the facts. 😉

Alright, bud. Well, you're free to think as you wish, and me continuing to waste my time obviously isn't going to change that. I think I'll just let it play out and see. Clearly, if Miller settles, that means he didn't get an attorney as esteemed at this as you are. 🤣
As an AV Martindale-Hubbard rated retired member of the bar, I will let you continue to quote Wikipedia. If you can tell me the duty that Miller owed to the victim, and how he breached it, and how that was foreseeable to cause damage, without skipping over the the duty part of that, we can talk.
 
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You're right that the shooter should have never fired the gun, but it is also correct to say Miller should have never brought the gun there. Both gentlemen were in the wrong. As such, both bear some of the consequences. Obviously, Miller should not face the same level of consequences as the shooter should, but there is some responsibility there that needs to be taken into account.

If you drop some of your basketball teammates and friends off at a bar strip one night, and you know one of them leaves you their gun, then a couple of hours later, around 1am, they text you to come pick them up and bring them their gun, aren't you likely going to wonder why they need their gun at that time? Aren't you going to think to yourself it's probably not a good idea to take a gun at the time and circumstance, particularly considering you're picking up someone who has likely been drinking and may be intoxicated? I would think most reasonable people would have some concerns about that and would likely not so eagerly bring a gun there. It really gets interesting if Miller knew about the conflict the other guys were invovled in at the bar and afterwards.
So you are a law student is my guess. Throwing out every issue that pops in your head because that is how you score points on the exam. A lesson for you. First year civ pro spends 1/2 the time on the Erie doctrine. Once you start practicing, you will never spend ten minutes on this. Res ipsa loquitur that you quoted earlier, will never appear in a case you handle in your life. Negligence per se, maybe, generally when you deal with building codes, but very rarely. But keep studying, make grades, and I hope you pass the bar on at least your first several attempts.
 
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As an AV Martindale-Hubbard rated retired member of the bar, I will let you continue to quote Wikipedia. If you can tell me the duty that Miller owed to the victim, and how he breached it, and how that was foreseeable to cause damage, without skipping over the the duty part of that, we can talk.
I can't explain duty to someone that doesn't want to understand what duty means.

I'm pretty sure when you control a gun, you have a duty to ensure someone doesn't get shot with it without justification. That also includes ensuring your drunk friends don't have you drive it to them while they are in an altercation.
So you are a law student is my guess. Throwing out every issue that pops in your head because that is how you score points on the exam. A lesson for you. First year civ pro spends 1/2 the time on the Erie doctrine. Once you start practicing, you will never spend ten minutes on this. Res ipsa loquitur that you quoted earlier, will never appear in a case you handle in your life. Negligence per se, maybe, generally when you deal with building codes, but very rarely. But keep studying, make grades, and I hope you pass the bar on at least your first several attempts.
I don’t recall getting points for just throwing out issues. Generally you had to go full IRAC and actually gives rules and analysis. Hell, they give you the issue already. I was quite good at it.

If you spent 1/2 a semester on Erie, you must have gone to school with some very slow learners. That was like a 30 minute lecture.

I've already worked a rep ipsa case, actually had exposure to one when I clerked as well. So there goes that logic.

Neg per se is actually used quite often in vehicle cases, particularly with violating driving laws.

Ohh, did it take you multiple attempts? Bless your heart.
 
Did you read where the owner of the gun told Miller to bring him his gun. The text said they had a guy disrespecting them. Wouldn’t that make you think things could go bad. Civil suit has nothing to do with a shadow of doubt. Just if you think over 50% he made a bad decision. Could definitely see Miller having some responsibilities!
The owner of the gun sent him a text. If they can prove the text was read prior to his return then you have a point. If they can’t prove that then it’s speculation on when it was read. The text was sent a short time before he arrived back to pick them up so it is highly plausible it wasn’t read.
 
But it is not illegal to bring a legal gun somewhere. Nothing negligent about that. As I said, if we are allowed to carry guns, we are allowed to bring someone their legal gun. There has to be a breach of a duty owed and there is no duty to the public to not drive a car and let someone retrieve their legal property from that car.
So, If I text a buddy, "Bring my me gun, I'm going to shoot this guy" thats ok by your definition? LOL
 
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