Attorneys reached a settlement early Monday in the wrongful death case against AlliedSignal.

Tuesday, June 12, 2001

Attorneys reached a settlement early Monday in the wrongful death case against AlliedSignal.

They had expected to begin jury selection, then proceed with opening remarks, said Ironton attorney J.B. Collier Jr., who filed the lawsuit on behalf of the late Jeff Carty’s family.

"It was a confidential settlement," Collier said. "We agreed not to disclose details but both sides feel it was a fair resolution."

Carty’s wife, Sandra, filed suit shortly after her husband’s death. The suit alleged that Carty’s death was caused by hot tar spilling from an elevated vat onto Carty, causing burns over 75 percent of his body, during an incident at the AlliedSignal plant in 1998.

Specifically, the suit accused the defendants of committing safety violations.

More than a year and a half of depositions and arguments to keep the case local culminated at 10 a.m. when negotiations on a settlement became final, Collier said.

"We had been talking seriously for the past month, but were far enough apart that we felt we needed to go to trial," Collier said.

The settlement brings to a close a compelling case, and averts an emotional two-week trial, he added.

Carty was well-liked in the Ironton community, active with Little League, his church and many events, Collier said.

"It’s always a tragedy when something like this happens," he said. "All things considered, (the settlement) puts a closure to this."

Everyone feels they were treated fairly, and are relieved they can put the situation behind them, Collier said.