wrongful death - O'Donnell Law

La Angels Settled MLB Players’ Wrongful Death Lawsuit While Jury Deliberates

Samuel O'Connell — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 18:20:32 +0000

With the jury deliberating, the Los Angeles Angels reached an 11th hour settlement agreement with the family of former MLB pitcher Tyler Skaggs on December 17th. Pitcher Tyler Skaggs died on July 1, 2019 after ingesting a pill laced with fentanyl. Mr. Skaggs was battling a serious opioid addiction which, as the family alleged, was never properly dealt with by the team.

The pill was provided by Angels’ communications director Eric Kay, who is currently serving a 22-year federal prison sentence in connection to Skaggs’ death. The 2022 criminal trial included testimony from various MLB members stating that they received oxycodone from Eric Kay from 2017 to 2019.

At the start of trial, the Angels attempted to re-litigate whether the fentanyl pill killed Skaggs. Judge H. Shaina Colover declined to re-hear the issue and proceeded with trial. The team then argued that they acted reasonably given the circumstances of Skaggs’ addiction.

The Skaggs trial brought team players and employees to the stand. Their testimony established a picture of a team overseeing boisterous alcoholic parties, which involved paying Eric Kay for clubhouse stunts. Outfielder Mike Trout, when asked whether he knew attendees provided drugs at the parties, answered with “maybe.”

Deliberations began December 16. The Angels likely reacted when the jury sent written questions such as “Do we as the jury get to decide the punitive damages amount? There is no field for it?” The case settled abruptly on December 17, 2025.

It is an unfortunate reality that people die due to the careless and reckless conduct of others. If a loved one has been fatally injured, our team at O’Donnell Law Offices had decades of collective experience in handling wrongful death cases throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. We fight to secure our client’s needs and compensation rightfully owed.

Contact O’Donnell Law Offices today at 570-821-5717 for a free consultation.

About Neil T. O'Donnell

Neil T. O’Donnell is the founder of O’Donnell Law Offices and a veteran trial lawyer who has spent decades advocating for victims of injury, abuse, and neglect. A board-certified Civil Trial Specialist, Neil is known for holding individuals and institutions accountable and pursuing justice for those harmed by negligence and misconduct throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The post La Angels Settled MLB Players’ Wrongful Death Lawsuit While Jury Deliberates first appeared on O'Donnell Law.

A Wrongful Death Case Rooted in Scranton’s Nay Aug Park

Samuel O'Connell — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 15:15:17 +0000

On a spring night in 1991, a college prank turned tragic in Scranton’s Nay Aug Park. Two students from the University of Scranton were chased by Community Medical Center (CMC) security guards into the woods. In the darkness and confusion, they fell from a 75-foot cliff. One of them—Peter Graybar—lost his life. The other—Jerome Majeski Jr.—survived but sustained serious injuries that changed his life forever.

What followed wasn’t just a tragedy—it was a fight for answers.

A Complex Case with Life-Altering Consequences

The students had been attempting to remove a street sign as part of a prank when they encountered security guards from Community Medical Center. Instead of diffusing the situation, the guards pursued them into Nay Aug Park. The chase ended in a catastrophic fall from a cliffside path.

Hospital officials and security staff initially denied the existence of a chase. Reports were missing. Testimonies conflicted. Questions were raised about whether the guards had the authority to pursue the students into the park at all.

Attorney Neil O’Donnell, part of the legal team representing Jerome Majeski, helped shine a light on the truth. He questioned the lack of documentation, the guards’ coordination with the hospital’s PR department before speaking to police, and the absence of any sign that the students had tampered with vehicles or committed any serious crime.

“They were herding these kids like animals,” O’Donnell told the jury.
“Who runs 200 yards into a dark park without being chased? No one.”

Justice Delivered

In March 1997, nearly six years after the incident, a Lackawanna County jury found Community Medical Center and its guards 65% responsible for the death of Peter Graybar and the injuries to Jerome Majeski.

The verdict reflected not only the actions of the guards but the institutional failure to take responsibility in the wake of the tragedy.

A Firm That Fights for Families

At O’Donnell Law Offices, we understand that wrongful death cases are not just about compensation—they’re about accountability, truth, and justice. Families deserve answers. Survivors deserve support. And institutions must be held responsible when their failures lead to tragedy.

This case—rooted in our community, our streets, and our courts—remains a powerful example of why we do what we do.

If your family has suffered a tragic loss and you’re searching for answers, we’re here to help.

#WrongfulDeath #ScrantonLawyers #ODonnellLaw #JusticeServed #TrialAttorneys #AccountabilityMatters

The post A Wrongful Death Case Rooted in Scranton’s Nay Aug Park first appeared on O'Donnell Law.

Understanding Social Host Liability in Pennsylvania: A Legal and Moral Obligation

Samuel O'Connell — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 20:29:38 +0000

Understanding Social Host Liability in Pennsylvania: A Legal and Moral Obligation

The tragic death of a North Pocono High School student in a car crash has left a deep mark on the community and highlights the serious dangers of underage drinking. Reports indicate that alcohol consumption played a role in the events leading up to the accident, serving as a sobering reminder of the importance of Pennsylvania’s social host liability laws.

What Is Social Host Liability?

Social host liability in Pennsylvania may hold adults legally responsible for providing alcohol to minors. Under Pennsylvania law, any adult who furnishes alcohol to someone under the age of 21 can be held accountable for any resulting injuries, damages, or fatalities. This principle underscores the severe consequences of such actions and aims to protect young lives and the well-being of the community.

The Role of Parents and the Legal Risks of Underage Drinking

Parents may sometimes feel that permitting minors to drink under their supervision is safer. However, Pennsylvania law is clear: furnishing alcohol to minors is illegal and comes with serious penalties, including fines, potential imprisonment, and civil liability for any harm caused.

Even beyond the legal consequences, the risks are immense. Providing alcohol to minors increases the likelihood of impaired judgment, reckless behavior, and life-altering outcomes, as tragically demonstrated by the loss of young lives. It is critical for parents and all adults to understand that these decisions carry significant moral and legal responsibilities.

At O’Donnell Law Offices, we understand the devastating impact that underage drinking can have on families and communities. Our experienced legal team is committed to supporting those affected by these tragedies. Whether you are seeking guidance, need legal representation, or simply want to understand your rights, we are here to help.

We approach each case with care, compassion, and a dedication to achieving justice for the individuals and families we represent.

Contact O’Donnell Law Offices

If you or someone you love has been affected by underage drinking or a related tragedy, we encourage you to reach out to us. Let us help you navigate these challenges and work toward a resolution that brings accountability and peace of mind.

To learn more about the wrongful death lawsuit related to this tragic case, you can read the full article from The Times-Tribune here.

The post Understanding Social Host Liability in Pennsylvania: A Legal and Moral Obligation first appeared on O'Donnell Law.