A lawsuit that was filed against the city of Pittsburgh as well as an officer for the city by the estate of a man who was killed after being shot by the officer was recently dropped. The wrongful death lawsuit which was filed in federal court was dropped in December.

The root of the wrongful death lawsuit was a 2008 incident in which police were called to assist in a situation involving the man. At the time the 48-year-old now deceased man was reportedly acting in a threatening manner while holding a meat cleaver. When he was asked by the police to drop the utensil he refused and instead reportedly continued toward an officer who then shot him.

Wrongful death lawsuits cannot bring a loved one back. In the course of such a lawsuit the person’s death becomes a monetary issue. While these cases are often difficult both from an emotional as well as legal perspective, when successful they may provide a sense of closure and make it easier for those left behind to move forward with their lives.

In the lawsuit, the executor of the man’s estate indicated the deceased was schizophrenic. He continued that previous occasions where the police had been called to deal with the man were resolved in a manner that did not involve the use of force. In addition to claiming excessive force was used, the lawsuit also alleged authorities did not aid the wounded man.

It is not clear what cause the estate to drop the lawsuit. According to the executor’s attorney, it is not because a settlement was reached.

Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, “Man’s estate drops suit against city, Pittsburgh officer,” Dec. 22, 2011