The accident resulted in the deaths of Richard Stewart, Jr., and his two minor children. Mr. Stewart was survived by his wife, Lisa Stewart, and two adult sons, Daniel Goins and David Watts, who were adopted as minors. Additionally, the deceased minor children had a biological mother, Brandi Hardie, who was not a party to the lawsuits.
Following the accident, multiple survival and wrongful death actions were filed. The central issue was whether Goins and Watts, as adopted children and biological half-siblings, had the right to bring these claims.
The trial court denied the defendants’ exceptions of no right of action, allowing Goins and Watts to pursue their claims. The court reasoned that biological relationships and dependency, rather than legal classifications, should determine a child’s rights in such cases.
The Court of Appeal, in a split decision, granted the defendants’ exceptions of no right of action concerning Goins’ claims for the deaths of his biological father and half-siblings. The majority concluded that adoption terminates the legal relationship between the adopted child and their biological parents, barring them from pursuing wrongful death claims.
Judges Cooks and Savoie dissented, arguing that the Louisiana Civil Code articles governing wrongful death and survival actions do not exclude adopted children or half-siblings. They emphasized the importance of biological relationships and the potential unconstitutionality of denying adopted children the right to file such claims.
Judge Conery concurred in part and dissented in part, agreeing with the dissenters regarding the inclusion of adopted children and half-siblings but disagreeing on the specific outcome of the case. He highlighted the need for the biological mother of the deceased minor children to be included in the proceedings to determine her potential abandonment and its impact on the siblings’ right to sue.
This case illustrates the legal complexities surrounding adoption and inheritance rights in the context of wrongful death and survival actions. It underscores the ongoing debate about the balance between biological and legal relationships in determining who can seek compensation for the loss of a loved one.
The dissenting opinions raise important questions about the potential implications of excluding adopted children from pursuing wrongful death claims, particularly concerning their constitutional rights.
As the law continues to evolve in this area, it is crucial for individuals involved in adoption or facing the tragic loss of a loved one to seek legal counsel to understand their rights and navigate the complexities of the legal system.
Additional Sources: KHRISTY GOINS RISMILLER, TUTRIX FOR DANIEL EDWARDS GOINS VERSUS GEMINI INSURANCE COMPANY, ET AL.
Written by Berniard Law Firm
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