Palm Beach County, Florida is at the center of a devastating wrongful death case following a tragic crash on Hatton Highway near Belle Glade that claimed the lives of nine people, including six children. The incident occurred in August 2024 and has since led to a newly filed lawsuit alleging that the roadway conditions and detour setup contributed to the deadly outcome.
According to court documents filed in Palm Beach County, the victims were traveling in a rented Ford Explorer when they were redirected onto Hatton Highway due to nearby road work. While driving along the rural roadway, the vehicle veered off the road and entered a canal. Only one person survived the crash, identified as Jorden Hall, who reportedly attempted to rescue his family members from the submerged vehicle.
The lawsuit names multiple defendants, including engineering firms, private companies, and government agencies such as the Florida Department of Transportation and Palm Beach County. It alleges several roadway safety failures, including missing warning signage, faded road markings, and guardrail design issues that may have contributed to the crash.
Attorney Seth Pajcic, representing the plaintiffs, stated that the road was not properly suited for detour traffic and had a documented history of accidents. He argued that proper signage and infrastructure could have prevented the vehicle from leaving the roadway.
The National Transportation Safety Board reportedly noted that a critical warning sign had been down for an extended period before the crash.
The sole survivor, Jorden Hall, continues t
