Settlement reached in Accent Signage shooting suit

Published 10:08 am Tuesday, September 23, 2014

MINNEAPOLIS — The family of a man killed in a 2012 office shooting at Accent Signage Systems in Minneapolis has reached an undisclosed settlement with the company, according to an attorney and an order filed Monday by the Minnesota Court of Appeals.

Jacob Beneke, 34, was one of six people who died after being shot on Sept. 27, 2012, by Andrew Engeldinger, who took his own life. Two other workers were also injured in what became the deadliest workplace shooting in Minnesota.

Beneke’s family sued Accent Signage and Engeldinger’s estate last year, alleging the company should have known from Engeldinger’s work history that he was potentially dangerous. Last summer, a judge threw out claims against the gunman’s estate but allowed two negligence counts against the company to proceed.

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In Monday’s ruling, the appeals court said “the underlying matter has been settled, pending district court approval.”

Phil Villaume, an attorney for Beneke’s family, confirmed the case was settled, saying the matter was resolved within the last couple of weeks. He said he could not make additional comments or provide details.