THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 3, 1995 TAG: 9508030463
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TERRI WILLIAMS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Short : 40 lines
A $20 million lawsuit against various local and state Republican parties has been set for trial for Nov. 13 in Suffolk Circuit Court.
Thomas M. Williams Jr., a fiddler and 23-year veteran of the show Hee Haw, is suing the Republican Party of Virginia, the Republican Party of the 4th Congressional District, the Republican Party of Suffolk, Victory '92 and Webb's Transportation Company for injuries he suffered when scaffolding fell on him during a windy 1992 Republican rally for Oliver North.
The trial will include Williams' longtime business associates and country and western musicians Vince Gill and Jimmy Dean, who will be there for support, said M. David Spear, a claims consultant who works for the Richmond firm representing Williams.
Gary Hershner, Williams' lawyer, was unavailable for comment Wednesday. Charles Meyers, the lawyer representing the parties, was also unavailable.
But Spear said it was victory for their client to finally get his trial date.
``It was a Republican rally and they failed to provide a safe environment to all parties,'' said Spear.
Earlier this year, the Republican parties tried to excuse themselves as defendants, arguing they had no responsibility for the accident. That motion was denied.
Lawyers for Williams tried to have the trial held in Richmond, where they say it had a better history for granting money and larger verdicts. But a Richmond judge said the trial should be held where the accident took place.
For Williams, it's a victory either way.
``It's been three years, so it's been long-awaited,'' said Williams, who had neck and back surgery. by CNB