Comedian Tracy Morgan, who is widely known for his roles in the hit TV comedy show 'Saturday Night Live,' recently settled a lawsuit against Walmart for an undisclosed amount, according to Variety. The lawsuit stemmed from a deadly highway crash involving the actor and one of the company's truck drivers in June 2014. The incident resulted in the death of one of the passengers of Morgan's vehicle as well as in the series of severe injuries incurred by the actor himself.
"Walmart did right by me and my family, and for my associates and their families. I am grateful that the case was resolved amicably," Morgan said in a statement following the news that he settled the dispute with the giant retail company. The actor suffered from broken leg bones, nose, and ribs due to the deadly crash.
Meanwhile, the family of the man who died as a result of the incident, James McNair, otherwise known as Jimmy Mack, settled the wrongful death suit they filed against Walmart as well. USA Today reports that the out-of-court settlement agreed upon by the company and the heirs of McNair states that Walmart denies responsibility on the demise of the 62-year-old.
"Nothing will bring back their father," said attorney Daryl Zaslow. "But this settlement takes care of them and allows them to carry on their father's legacy," he added. Zaslow is the lawyer who took on the case of McNair in behalf of his children, Jamel, 26, and Danita, 19.
He also stated, "It [The settlement] will allow these young adults to go forward with their lives in a manner that would make their dad proud."
Walmart U.S. president and CEO, Greg Foran, disclosed in a statement, "Our thoughts continue to go out to everyone that was involved in the accident. While we know there is nothing that can change what happened, Walmart has been committed to doing what's right to help ensure the well-being of all of those who were impacted by the accident."
He added, "We worked closely with Mr. Morelli, and we are pleased to have reached an amicable settlement that ends this litigation. We are deeply sorry that one of our trucks was involved." Benedict Morelli is Morgan's lawyer for the said case.
"Walmart and I worked diligently to reach this settlement for the plaintiffs and their families," Morelli announced. He went on to say, "Walmart took full responsibility for the accident, which we greatly appreciate."
