ORLANDO, Fla. — An attorney told WFTV his clients have a legitimate reason to sue SeaWorld after they witnessed a killer whale killing a trainer.
DOCUMENT: Read Family's Complaint VIDEO REPORT: Lawyer Says Clients Have Reason To Sue
The Connell family from New Hampshire watched Tilikum the whale drag trainer Dawn Brancheau into the water in February. The attorney says his client has medical bills and SeaWorld needs to take responsibility, but some people think the family just wants a pay day.
Millie Toro is spending the week visiting theme parks, including SeaWorld. She heard about the recent lawsuit the Connell family filed against SeaWorld. She's skeptical about the family's motivations.
"I don't think it's valid at all. They should just take him to counseling," Toro said.
The Connell's appeared on national TV Friday morning. Suzanne Connell said she's suing SeaWorld because her 10-year-old son was traumatized by the incident.
"It's been six months ago, it happened on Tuesday, and things aren't getting any better. He's been getting a little better, but he's been having nightmares again last week. It just seems to not be going away at all," Suzanne Connell said.
WFTV spoke with the Connell's attorney, John Overchuck.
"What would I do? Would I shut my eyes and turn my back and not want justice? If you ask yourself, put yourself in their shoes, you will understand this is not about the money," he said.
Overchuck said he's been getting e-mails from people accusing him of being money hungry, especially because the family was shooting video. Overchuck said people are misinformed. His clients did not tape the accident; they taped Dawn before the accident and then turned off the camera.
WFTV also talked to attorney Keith Mitnik about the case. He says these types of cases are very hard and the attorney will have to show outrageous conduct, but it could be a legitimate case.
"Because it deals with a young child, it's a more sensitive side," Mitnik said. "I've also seen people who have suffered horrible psychological traumas."
SeaWorld believes the family is out for money and tried to sell SeaWorld their home video. Overchuck says his clients offered the video to SeaWorld for free.
Brancheau's family has not taken any legal action against SeaWorld, but they have hired an attorney. The O'Connor Nakos law firm in Chicago confirmed this week it is representing Dawn's husband, Scott.
The firm's website says it handles cases for "injured persons, and wrongful death, and their families."
Previous Stories: August 27, 2010: SeaWorld: Lawyer Threatened To Have Family Appear On Oprah August 26, 2010: Lawsuit: SeaWorld Trainer's Death Tramautized Boy August 25, 2010: Family Of Trainer Killed At SeaWorld Hires Attorney August 24, 2010: SeaWorld Calls OSHA Report "Unfounded," Will Contest Citation August 23, 2010: SeaWorld Fined $75K In Trainer's Attack Death
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