On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, the Helena Independent Record reported that former Montana federal judge Sam E. Haddon reached a settlement with the family of Pamela Aldridge, who died in a vehicle accident earlier this year. The tragic incident occurred on April 19 at the intersection of York Road and East Custer Avenue in Helena.
Aldridge’s estate filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Haddon on August 14 in Lewis and Clark County District Court, alleging negligence and gross negligence. The lawsuit claimed that Haddon, who was 87 years old at the time, was driving when he attempted to make a left turn without ensuring it was safe to do so. A witness, situated directly behind Aldridge’s vehicle, reported that Haddon turned onto York Road when it was unsafe.
The estate’s legal documents stated that Haddon’s eyesight and diminished physical and mental capacity made him unfit to drive. In his defense, Haddon denied the allegations, asserting that Aldridge was speeding, which he claimed contributed to the accident.
After a lengthy 14.5-hour settlement conference on October 30, the case was resolved outside of court, although the details of the settlement have not been disclosed. The plaintiff’s attorney declined to comment, and the defense attorney was unavailable for immediate comment.
Haddon, who had a long tenure as a senior U.S. District Court judge for the Helena Division, retired on August 31, 2023, after serving 22 years on the federal bench in Montana. He was nominated by President George W. Bush and was confirmed by the Senate in July 2001.
Source: Helena Independent Record
