WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- On July 29, 2024,
United States District Judge Rudolph
Contreras ordered payment of nearly $2 billion in a judgment favoring a group of 112
plaintiffs, comprised of Navy Veterans and surviving family members
as well as family members of the 17 Navy Sailors who were killed in
the terrorist attack on the U.S.S. Cole naval ship that
occurred on October 12, 2000 in the
Port of Aden, Yemen.
The July 29, 2024 Mona Gunn v. Islamic
Republic of Iran Order granting judgment against
Iran awarded $1.956 billion to the plaintiffs represented by
the national personal injury firm, The Carlson Law Firm. The
Gunn Complaint, filed on April 30,
2021, included 34 surviving sailors along with 21 of their
family members and 57 Gold Star Family Members who sought justice
on behalf of their loved ones who lost their lives and made the
ultimate sacrifice.
Gunn v. Iran was the
second successful lawsuit pursued by The Carlson Law Firm on behalf
of victims and families of the U.S.S. Cole attack. The first win
was Taitt v. Iran on
March 16, 2023. The Taitt
case resulted in a judgment of $807
million in favor of 58 plaintiffs. Both lawsuits against
Iran for its support of the
terrorists who perpetrated the USS Cole attack were joint efforts
between The Carlson Law Firm, Gibson, Dunn, & Crutcher, and The
Law Office of DeJon R. Lewis. The
Law Office of Nelson M. Jones, III
and The Hall Law Firm were also important parts of the legal team
that secured the victory in Gunn v Iran.
International litigation is a complex endeavor due to factors
such as determining the appropriate venue and how the legal systems
of different jurisdictions may interact and be applied to parties
from different countries. Moreover, all elements of a claim against
a sovereign nation must be proven to "the judge's satisfaction."
The USS Cole bombing litigation was further complicated by the
strained relations with the defendant nation of Iran. Iran
was held liable in this litigation because the terrorist attack was
perpetrated by Iran State-Funded actors, including Al-Qaeda
operatives.
"As a veteran, representing our nation's best in such meaningful
litigation brings an immense sense of pride," said Managing Partner
Craig Carlson. "We are currently working on seeking justice for a
third group of victims that continue to suffer to this day due to
the attack on the U.S.S. Cole."
At the time of the attack, 299 crew members were on the U.S.S.
Cole. To date, The Carlson Law Firm has successfully represented
170 plaintiffs, comprised of veterans and their family members.
Further litigation is in development to help over two hundred more
deserving plaintiffs in their quest for justice.
"Our military's service is one of our national treasures," said
Carlson. "As such, advocating for the veterans that defend and
uphold America's liberties is a priority."
Veterans and surviving family members who were harmed by the
U.S.S. Cole bombing may be eligible for compensation and should not
delay in seeking legal representation. Common injuries include:
- Blast Injuries: lung damage, internal organ damage and
bleeding, ruptured eardrums
- Shrapnel Wounds
- Burns
- Fractures
- Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Hearing Loss
- Psychological Injuries: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),
anxiety, depression
About The Carlson Law Firm
The Carlson Law Firm is a national, veteran-owned law firm
committed to justice for veterans and military families. For 48
years, Carlson's legal team has sought to provide legal services
founded on the principles of fair, determined and compassionate
advocacy. The Carlson Law Firm has successfully treated cases
involving state-sponsored terrorism and military injuries. An
experienced and diverse team is available to assist in the areas of
personal injury, dangerous drugs, commercial crashes, family
matters and criminal defense.
References
"Carlson Law Firm Obtains $807M
Judgment for Victims of USS Cole Bombing." The Carlson Law Firm,
March 16, 2023.
https://www.carlsonattorneys.com/news-and-update/807m-award-cole
Mona Gunn v. Islamic Republic of
Iran, No. 1:21-cv-001187 (U.S. Dist. Ct. D.C. 2021)
Mona Gunn v. Islamic Republic of
Iran, No. 1:21-cv-001187, Order Granting Default Judgment,
July 29, 2024 (U.S. Dist. Ct. D.C.
2024)
"USS Cole Bombing." FBI,
https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/uss-cole-bombing
"USS Cole (DDG-67) Determined Warrior, 1996–." Naval History and
Heritage
Command, https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/ships/modern-ships/uss-cole.html#:~:text=On%2012%20October,efforts%20saved%20her
Media Contact:
Shanilis Ortiz
Reyes
254-526-5688
shanilis@carlsonattorneys.com
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SOURCE The Carlson Law Firm