Montana Jury Returns $15 Million Verdict in Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Death Case
Bozeman, Montana – On April 10, 2024, a Montana jury returned a $15 million verdict against Rainbow Ranch Lodge and other defendants in a carbon monoxide poisoning case involving in the tragic death of Lew Hudgens. The record-setting verdict was more than double the existing largest verdict in Gallatin County, Montana.
In January 2021, Lew and Catharine Hudgens traveled to Big Sky, Montana for their honeymoon. The couple checked in to Rainbow Ranch Lodge on January 11, 2021. After not hearing from the newlyweds, the family called the Lodge on multiple occasions requesting wellness checks on the couple. The Lodge’s staff failed to confirm the wellbeing of Catharine and Lew. On January 15 – four days after the couple’s arrival – the Lodge’s general manager entered the Hudgens’ room where he found Lew deceased in the bed and Catharine severely disoriented.
Lew’s death and Catharine’s injuries were caused by their inhalation of carbon monoxide that seeped through the wall separating their room and an adjacent room housing a spa boiler. The boiler had not been properly maintained for years, causing it to release the deadly carbon monoxide into the Hudgens’ room.
The case was filed against Rainbow Ranch, its general manager, several plumbers, and others alleging that their negligence led to the death of Lew Hudgens and caused life-altering injuries and trauma to Catharine Hudgens.
After the trial, attorney Justin Stalpes stated, “We were honored to represent Catherine. She is truly a remarkable woman. She lost her husband, went through one of the most horrific situations you could imagine, and she will never be the same. The defendants took a great deal away from her. We are grateful for each of the Bozeman citizens who served as jurors in the case and held the defendants accountable for these tragic events that never should have happened.”
Catharine Hudgens was represented at the trial by Justin Stalpes of Beck, Amsden & Stalpes, and Skip Finkbohner and David Cain of Cunningham Bounds.
Beck, Amsden & Stalpes, PLLC is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for its clients. For more information about Beck, Amsden & Stalpes, visit: www.becklawyers.com.