Plaintiffs, Bereaved Family of Melinda Duckett, File Response

by Susan Marie Kovalinsky | June 8, 2010 at 06:59 pm

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Deratany files 45 pp Motion with 22 exhibits in response to CNN/Nancy Grace motion for Summary Judgment

Trial is Set for August 2010 in Florida Federal Court

NORTH PALM BEACH, FL, June 9, 2010

The Deratany Firm represents the parents and the estate of Melinda Duckett, a Florida mother who shot and killed herself after an on-air interview with CNN television host, Nancy Grace, regarding her missing baby, Trenton Duckett. The day after CNN aired the Nancy Grace interview, Melinda Duckett shot and killed herself in her grandparents' Florida home.

Jay Paul Deratany and Kara Skorupa of The Deratany Firm were retained by Melinda Duckett's family and personal representative ("Plaintiffs") to pursue a lawsuit against both CNN and Nancy Grace for the wrongful death of Melinda Duckett. The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Ocala Division. Plaintiffs allege that Nancy Grace and CNN invited Melinda Duckett onto the Nancy Grace Show to display photographs of missing Trenton Duckett.

Plaintiffs allege that Nancy Grace and CNN promised Melinda Duckett that her interview would be for this limited purpose, however the interview resulted in an on-air cross-examination of Melinda whereby Grace significantly verbally assaulted Melinda Duckett. The complaint alleges that this intense questioning led to severe emotional distress causing Melinda Duckett's suicide immediately after.

On May 7, 2010, defendants CNN and Nancy Grace filed a motion for summary judgment, an argument that the trial should not proceed as there are no genuine issues of material fact. Responding with a 45 page motion, attaching 22 independent exhibits, The Deratany Firm filed an opposing brief, alleging that there are a substantial number of issues that remain, and which need to be submitted to a jury in August 2010.

THE DERATANY FIRM is a plaintiff’s firm, specializing in personal injury, wrongful death and medical malpractice. It boasts offices in Chicago, Illinois and North Palm Beach, Florida. The Chicago office is comprised of principal, Jay Paul Deratany, and his three associates, Nicholas V. DeAgostino, Patrick P. Degnan, Nathan E. Polum. The firm is headed by highly experienced attorneys with more than 45 years combined experience. In the past several years, THE DERATANY FIRM has obtained jury verdict and settlement awards combining over $50 million.