Class Actions: Lawyers say a case against the drinks industry would be hard to win, as it would be difficult to prove negligence.

Three years ago he lost a compensation claim against Fermanagh District Council after a judge held that he had failed to prove negligence.

Occasionally, a person injured in a slip and fall case can prove negligence by showing that the property owner violated a relevant statute.

Bruce Sanford, a Washington media lawyer with the firm BakerHostetler, said all they would have to do is prove negligence on the magazine's part.

But Miami-based maritime lawyer Jim Walker says proving negligence won't be an easy feat for the family.

She brought an action against the company, duly proved negligence on the part of the employés, and obtained substantial damages.