A tragic airplane crash has led to a significant legal battle, with the plaintiffs seeking justice for severe injuries and damages. Joseph Miller and his spouse Nancy Miller have filed a complaint against J. Mason Williams IV, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Jemin Ghanshyambhai Patel, and Control Data, Inc., in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida on September 16, 2024.
The lawsuit arises from an incident that occurred on February 1, 2024. On that day, Jemin Ghanshyambhai Patel was operating a Beech V35B aircraft registered to Control Data, Inc., when it crashed into the home of Joseph and Nancy Miller in Clearwater, Pinellas County. The plaintiffs allege that Patel was negligent in his operation of the aircraft, which resulted in serious and permanent injuries to Joseph Miller. According to the complaint, "PATEL became aware that he was operating the Beech V35B bearing Aircraft Registration Number 6659L in an unsafe manner" but continued to operate it until it crashed.
The Millers assert that Control Data, Inc., as the owner of the aircraft and employer of Patel, failed to ensure proper inspection and maintenance of the plane. They argue that Control Data entrusted a dangerous instrumentality to Patel without adequate oversight or care. The complaint states: "CONTROL DATA breached those duties by failing to properly inspect and/or operate and/or maintain the dangerous instrumentality in a safe manner."
As a result of this alleged negligence, Joseph Miller suffered extensive injuries including pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of capacity for enjoyment of life, medical expenses, loss of earnings, and potential aggravation of pre-existing conditions. The plaintiffs are seeking damages exceeding $50,000 for each count along with post-judgment interest, attorneys' fees where appropriate, taxable costs of proceedings, and any other relief deemed just by the court.
Nancy Miller is also pursuing a claim for loss of consortium due to her husband's injuries. She contends that her relationship with Joseph has been adversely impacted by his disabilities resulting from the crash. Her claim includes loss of services, comfort, companionship, and society.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys from Fonvielle Lewis Messer & McConnaughhay based in Tallahassee. The case is being overseen by Judge Ken Burke under Case Number 24-004163-CI.