Gerald Hozempa and Patricia Hozempa, natural parents of Troy Hozempa v. Denver Publishing Company, a Colorado Corporation, dba Rocky Mountain News
Published: Mar. 5, 1998 | Result Date: Jan. 31, 1998 |Case number: 96CV5160 – $0
Judge
Court
Denver District
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Facts
Decedent Troy Hozempa was a 33-year-old flight instructor and pilot employed by Flatirons Aviation in Boulder, Colo. In September 1994, defendant Denver Publishing Co., dba Rocky Mountain News, assigned Vern Walker, one of its staff photographers and, coincidentally, a rated private pilot, to take pictures of fall foliage in the Colorado Rockies. On Sept. 22, 1994, photographer Walker flew with his friend and flight instructor Troy Hozempa and took pictures of the fall foliage. To complete the assignment, Walker and Hozempa again flew for the purpose of taking photographs on Sept. 28, 1994. Approximately ninety minutes into the second flight, the plane crashed as a result of pilot error, killing both men on board. The plaintiffs, the decedent's natural parents, brought this wrongful death action against defendant based on a negligent supervision theory of recovery.
Settlement Discussions
Plaintiffs reported they made a settlement demand for $100,000. Per defendant, the plaintiffs made a demand for $250,000. The defendant made an offer of $1,000.
Damages
The plaintiffs claimed $500,000 in damages.
Injuries
Death of a son.
Other Information
The verdict was reached approximately one year and five months after the case was filed.
Deliberation
85 minutes
Poll
6-0
Length
one week
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