On November 2, 2021, professional football player Henry Ruggs III made national news for his involvement in a felony DUI resulting in the death of Tina Tintor. If he is convicted, Ruggs faces 2 – 46 years in prison, a lifetime criminal record, and the end of his professional career.
However, the penalties don’t stop there. Regardless of the outcome of the criminal case, it’s likely that the family of the deceased victim will pursue a wrongful death personal injury case. That means that Henry Ruggs and his insurer will likely spend many more months (if not years) either negotiating a settlement or going to court for wrongful death.
If someone in your family suffered a wrongful death due to another driver’s negligence, you might be eligible to receive maximum compensation for their death. Contact Paul from Schrier Law Group today at 1-800-700-PAUL to speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney.
Continue reading to learn more about the Henry Ruggs III car accident, DUI, and potential wrongful death lawsuit.
Timeline of What Happened in The Henry Ruggs DUI Case
Understanding why Henry Ruggs is facing felony charges and a likely wrongful death lawsuit requires details about the case. So far, the following information has been released, but not limited to.
- Tuesday, November 2, 2021, 3:39 a.m: Henry Ruggs III travels at speeds north of 156 mph while intoxicated and subsequently rear-ends the Toyota Rav4 operated by the victim. The car crash was reported on Rainbow Boulevard in Las Vegas.
- The Police Arrive At The Scene: When the police arrive at the crash scene, they find Tina Tintor and her dog dead. They suspect that Henry Ruggs is intoxicated, but Ruggs refuses an evidentiary blood test.
- Warrant Issued: Law enforcement officials request a warrant for a forcible blood draw to test his BAC levels. The request is approved. Law enforcement officials draw his blood at University Medical Center.
- Results of the Blood Draw: Nevada prosecutors released information stating that Ruggs’s blood alcohol concentration was 0.161 at the time of the accident – which is slightly more than two times the legal limit.
- Wednesday, November 3, 2021: Henry Ruggs III posts a $150,000 bond and is subsequently released by the Oakland Raiders. However, he must adhere to all parameters of his release, including periodic alcohol breath tests.
- March 10, 2022: Henry Ruggs III is scheduled to attend a preliminary hearing to face the charges levied against him.
What Charges Are Henry Ruggs Facing?
DUI charges are serious, no matter the circumstances. However, a DUI resulting in death and serious bodily injury carries the harshest penalties of all DUI charges. Listed below are the current criminal charges that Ruggs faces.
- Two felony charges for DUI causing death or substantial harm – Punishable by 2 – 20 years imprisonment and fines ($2,000 to $5,000) for each charge if convicted. One charge is for the victim’s death. The other charge is for the injuries sustained by his girlfriend, who was a passenger in his vehicle at the time of the collision.
- Two felony charges for reckless driving resulting in death or physical injury – Punishable by 1 – 6 years imprisonment and a fine of $2,000 – $5,000.
- Misdemeanor possession of a gun while under the influence of alcohol – Punishable by up to six months in prison and up to $1,000 in fines.
Can Henry Ruggs Be Sued For Wrongful Death?
Absolutely. A wrongful death occurs when someone engages in unreasonable, negligent, or reckless behavior that results in another person’s death. Generally, anytime someone is killed due to a DUI, their family or estate can pursue a wrongful death personal injury case.
According to reports, the family of Tina Tintor has hired a wrongful death attorney to handle their possible wrongful death lawsuit. They have not issued further statements. However, they will likely pursue a personal injury case against Mr. Ruggs and his insurer. If successful, their losses may be realized via an out-of-court settlement with Henry Ruggs’ insurer, in court, or both.
Contact a Florida Wrongful Death Attorney Today
DUI-related deaths occur in Florida far too often. If your loved one or family member lost their life due to the negligence of another driver (for DUI or other reasons), you have the right to pursue maximum compensation for your loss.
While recovering damages is not an equal replacement for the loss of a loved one, it can help to offset costs associated with their death, including but not limited to funeral costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and much more.
Contact Schrier Law Group today to schedule a free initial consultation with a proven wrongful death attorney to discuss your case.
