UPDATED -- Frank McCourt's financial mismanagement of the Los Angeles Dodgers paved the way for Bryan Stow's violent beating and subsequent brain damage, according to lawyers for the Stow family.
The Stow family's lawsuit lists McCourt's "lavish lifestyle" and his messy divorce as reasons for why Dodgers Stadium was unable to provide adequate security detail on the night of Stow's beating. It then goes on to describe the ways in which Dodgers Stadium security was reduced:
"Despite being the home-opener against the rival Giants, no security was present in the parking lot or by the areas where taxis were waiting. Moreover, the parking lot had inadequate lighting. The lack of security and inadequate lighting presented a perfect opportunity to commit a variety of crimes."
(see the full text of the lawsuit)
Frank McCourt has responded to the lawsuit. Associated Press reports:
Jerome M. Jackson, an attorney for the Dodgers, said in a statement that the organization had been unwavering in its support for the Stow family and for police investigators.
"But, to be clear, Mr. McCourt and the Dodgers will defend themselves against the allegations," the statement said.
This lawsuit is just one more in a long line of legal troubles Frank McCourt is faced with. He is currently embroiled in a long-term divorce trial with ex-wife Jamie McCourt, who recently asked a judge to order the private sale of the Dodgers before Major League Baseball gets a chance to force a sale, according to the Associated Press. McCourt has also admitted that without a $300 million upfront loan from Fox, he won't be able to make payroll through the beginning of June.
PREVIOUSLY -- Bryan Stow's family plans to sue Frank McCourt and the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to CBS Los Angeles. While an exact amount of damages sought hasn't been specified, Stow's family estimates that the cost of his lifetime care could reach $45-$50 million.
The lawsuit will claim that the Los Angeles Dodgers are liable for the attack because of their poor track record securing the stadium, which exposed Bryan Stow to "criminal acts of third parties." Also under scrutiny is the 10-15 minutes it took the stadium security to respond to Stow after the attack immediately happened, according to LA Observed.
Los Angeles lawyer Thomas Girardi is representing the family. He told ESPN that "The Dodgers have shown a total disregard for public safety. They've gotten rid of security people. They've had all these incidents at their games, more than other teams. There's also a known gang presence. What did they think was going to happen?"
Bryan Stow's family has harbored no ill-will toward the people of Los Angeles since the attack. Ann Stow, the victim's mother, praised Los Angeles as "the City of Angels" and clarified that she didn't hold Angelenos or Dodgers fans responsible for her son's condition, according to NBC LA. The Stow family has also expressed their appreciation and support for the city in the wake of suspect Giovanni Ramirez's arrest last Sunday. Ramirez is believed to be the "main aggressor" behind the March 31st attack, and he was brought in by the Los Angeles Police Department through a tip from a city parole officer.
Bryan Stow is no longer in a medically-induced coma but he still hasn't regained consciousness, says his sister. Associated Press also reports that Stow is in "critical but stable condition."