When fans buy a ticket to a baseball game, they expect to see athleticism, teamwork, and the spirit of competition. What they don’t expect is to see the inner workings of a tragedy play out years later in court. That’s what’s happening as Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout and other players are expected to testify in the wrongful death trial of their late teammate, pitcher Tyler Skaggs — a case that has gripped Major League Baseball and reignited national debate over corporate responsibility in professional sports.
According to a report by The Associated Press, the Skaggs family is suing the Los Angeles Angels organization for wrongful death, alleging that the team’s former communications director, Eric Kay, supplied the opioids that contributed to the player’s fatal overdose in 2019. The lawsuit claims that the Angels ignored warning signs and failed to take appropriate action even after becoming aware of Kay’s drug use and distribution.
A Legal Battle Beyond Baseball
Wrongful death lawsuits like this one reach far beyond the world of sports. They strike at a fundamental legal question: when does an employer or organization become responsible for the actions of its staff?
The Skaggs case isn’t simply about who handed over the pills — it’s about whether the team’s management had a duty to intervene and prevent foreseeable harm. The plaintiffs argue that the Angels’ leadership was negligent in supervising Kay and allowing a culture that enabled substance abuse. The team, in turn, denies liability, insisting Skaggs’ drug use was a personal decision unrelated to his employment.
The stakes are immense. The Skaggs family is seeking over $100 million in damages, alleging that the organization’s failure to monitor or act upon red flags led directly to the 27-year-old’s death.
The Broader Implications for Employers
While most employers will never face a crisis of this magnitude, the principle of duty of care applies across every industry. Whether it’s a construction company, a hospital, or a school, organizations have an obligation to maintain a safe environment for both employees and those affected by their operations.
In wrongful death claims, courts often look at:
- Foreseeability: Could the organization reasonably foresee the risk of harm?
- Control: Did the employer have the power or authority to prevent that harm?
- Negligence: Was there a breach of policy, supervision, or safety protocol that contributed to the death?
Legal experts note that corporate entities can be held liable even for the actions of employees acting outside their formal duties if those actions were foreseeable or preventable under reasonable standards of care (Cornell Law School’s Legal Information Institute).
Why the Skaggs Case Could Set a Precedent
This case may shape how organizations are held accountable for internal misconduct that leads to death or injury. If the court finds that the Angels’ management failed to act on known risks, it could broaden the definition of employer liability within wrongful death law.
Such a ruling could also influence other industries — particularly those with high-risk environments, such as healthcare, transportation, and construction — where substance use or systemic oversight failures may result in preventable fatalities.
For legal professionals, the Skaggs case underscores the importance of internal compliance programs, risk assessments, and transparent reporting channels to prevent negligence from becoming litigation.
Compassion, Prevention, and Justice
No lawsuit can bring back a loved one, but the purpose of wrongful death law is to hold negligent parties accountable and promote systemic change. Whether it’s a sports franchise, a hospital, or a nursing home, accountability matters — both morally and legally.
As the trial unfolds, the public will watch how the jury weighs personal responsibility versus institutional failure. One thing is certain: the verdict could influence how employers across the country approach duty of care and risk management for years to come.
For families seeking justice after losing someone due to negligence, understanding the law is the first step. Experienced wrongful death attorneys can help navigate these complex claims and ensure that responsible parties are held to account.
If you’ve lost a loved one under similar circumstances, contact Wrongful death attorneys in Scottsdale to discuss your legal options and protect your family’s right to justice.
