Indiana Fair Lawsuits Won’t Go to Trial until 2014

A group of lawsuits filed over last summer’s deadly Indiana State Fair stage collapse likely won’t go to trial for nearly two years.

Lawyers handling the cases have asked Marion Superior Court Judge Theodore Sosin to set the case for some time after April 1, 2014. An order from Sosin outlines a plan to consolidate pre-trial preparation for the various cases.

Sosin also warns attorneys they could face sanctions if they say anything that might prejudice court proceedings or disclose pre-trial evidence.

At a May 9 hearing, Sosin criticized Valparaiso attorney Kenneth J. Allen for releasing portions of a videotaped deposition by Sugarland lead singer Jennifer Nettles. Allen says he was responding to misleading statements by the other side.

The stage rigging collapsed Aug. 13 as Sugarland prepared to perform.