### iPad at the Heart of Tyler Skaggs Wrongful Death Lawsuit
An iPad associated with the late former MLB player Tyler Skaggs is pivotal in a punitive damages lawsuit against Skaggs’ former team, the Angels. This seemingly mundane device could lead to a $400 million verdict in the current wrongful death litigation.
#### The iPad’s Importance in the Case
The iPad has attracted substantial focus in the wrongful death civil lawsuit initiated by Skaggs’ family against the Angels. Reports indicate that Skaggs utilized the iPad to prepare drugs prior to consuming them. Eric Kay, a former communications director for the Angels, supplied the fentanyl-laced pill that ultimately resulted in Skaggs’ death on July 1, 2019.
Though the iPad might seem to lack significance at first glance, its link to the unfortunate circumstances is essential. The legal representatives for Skaggs are aiming to prove that the iPad was “damaged beyond repair” because of the fentanyl delivered by Kay. This assertion is critical since, under California law, punitive damages may be granted in distinct survival actions if the deceased experienced property damage before passing.
#### Legal Precedents and Possible Damages
The iPad, valued at approximately $2,000, is presently held by the DEA. The legal approach relies on a precedent established during O.J. Simpson’s civil trial, where the jury awarded $25 million in punitive damages for property damage that pertained solely to clothing. Skaggs’ attorney contends that the case “demands punitive damages,” which are designed to punish and dissuade the culpable party.
The contention suggests that the monetary worth of the iPad is inconsequential; rather, it functions as a legal tool to hold the Angels responsible for their conduct. The potential for a $400 million punitive damages award accentuates the gravity of the matter and the repercussions for the organization.
#### Conclusion
The litigation surrounding Tyler Skaggs’ wrongful death trial emphasizes the intricacies of legal actions involving property damage and punitive damages. The iPad, despite being a basic device, has emerged as a focal point in a trial that strives for justice for a devastating loss. As the legal proceedings progress, the result may establish important legal precedents concerning the responsibilities of sports organizations toward their players’ welfare.
