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An iPad used by deceased former MLB player Tyler Skaggs is at the center of a punitive damages case against Skaggs\u2019 prior team, the Angels. Here\u2019s why a $2,000 iPad could end up triggering a $400 million ruling in the ongoing wrongful death trial.<\/p>\n
iPad at the center of Tyler Skaggs wrongful death trial<\/p>\n
Sam Blum writes at The Athletic<\/a> (Apple News+ link<\/a>):<\/p>\n [An] iPad has been asked about a lot in the wrongful death civil trial brought by Skaggs\u2019 family against the Angels. It was the surface where Skaggs lined up the drugs before snorting them. Ex-Angels communications director Eric Kay provided the fentanyl-laced pill that Skaggs ingested, leading to his death on July 1, 2019.<\/p>\n On its face, the iPad seemingly serves no purpose in this case, other than its physical proximity to the tragic events that unfolded. But that iPad could trigger many millions of dollars in punitive damages.<\/p>\n The iPad\u2019s importance requires a bit more context to explain.<\/p>\n In the state of California, punitive damages are not allowed as part of a wrongful death civil suit. However, \u201cthey can be awarded in separate, but related, survival claims if the decedent suffered property damage before death.\u201d<\/p>\n So Skaggs\u2019 legal team is currently trying to prove that the iPad \u201cwas damaged beyond repair by the fentanyl provided by Kay.\u201d<\/p>\n The Athletic piece explains how the iPad in question, which was \u201cvalued at around $2,000,\u201d is currently still in possession of the DEA. And a precedent established with O.J. Simpson\u2019s civil trial is being used to try prompting a $400 million punitive damages payout.<\/p>\n How could a damaged $2,000 iPad trigger a $400 million ruling?<\/p>\n The argument points to O.J.\u2019s trial, where the only property damage involved clothing, yet the jury awarded $25 million in punitive damages.<\/p>\n Skaggs\u2019 attorney told The Athletic, \u201cThis thing cries out for punitive damages, which are designed to punish and deter the responsible party.\u201c<\/p>\n In other words, the iPad only being worth thousands doesn\u2019t really matter. It\u2019s just a legal means by which the Angels as an organization can potentially be punished.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a wild story, and you can read the full overview at The Athletic<\/a> (also available<\/a> via Apple News+<\/a>).<\/p>\n Best iPhone accessories<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.<\/a><\/p>\n
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