A group of survivors of the Indiana State Fair stage collapse that killed Chicago lesbian activist Christina Santiago is suing country music duo Sugarland over the accident.
Sugarland is one of 12 entities named in the suit on behalf of 48 survivors of the Aug. 13 accident.
The group makes up 95 percent of those injured in the accident, according to attorney Mario Massillamany. His firm, Austen & Miller LLP, is representing three of the survivors.
"Everything is pretty much dictated by the artist," Massillamany told Windy City Times. "They had the final say to go forward with this event."
The group of survivors suing does not include Chicagoan Alisha Brennon, who lost spouse Christina Santiago and suffered facial fractures when strong winds toppled the stage.
Brennon has filed suit with another group of survivors against different defendants.
Kenneth J. Allen, who is representing Brennon's group, said that his clients were reluctant to file suits against the band.
"My clients frankly like the group and felt off the top that they shouldn't be targeted," Allen said. However, he added, "we're going to probably compelled to do that."
Allen said that the group will likely file suit against Sugarland to prevent other defendants from pointing fingers at the band to get out of their own lawsuits. If all parties involved in the concert are named, Allen said, the blame game will get harder.
Sugarland expressed sympathy over the incident just days after the collapse, stating on its website stating that the members "stand in the gap asking God to offer [the families of those killed] peace and healing. For those suffering from injury we hold you up with prayers for complete healing of your own." In addition, Sugarland returned to Indianapolis recently to perform a free concert for the victims of the stage collapse.