Robin Melton's mother sues Lambert estate

The mother of Robin Melton filed a lawsuit June 10 against the estate of John Lambert, claiming negligence in the plane crash that killed both Springfield business owners last year.

Melton, founder of Environmental Works Inc., was killed in a Sept. 15 crash piloted by Lambert, who was president of Ozark-based Missouri Insulation & Supply Inc. The crash of the Cirrus SR22 aircraft, which hit a pasture about six miles northwest of Springfield-Branson National Airport, also claimed the lives of Lambert's three children, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

Janis Melton, Robin Melton's next of kin, is seeking monetary damages such as funeral expenses, as well as past and future lost income, household services and other benefits she claims her daughter would have provided. Melton also is seeking damages related to mental anguish caused by her daughter's death, according to court filings.

The amount sought is not laid out in the petition for damages, only stating the plaintiff seeks "an amount which will fully and fairly compensate in damages for the wrongful death of Robin Melton."

Craig Heidemann of Douglas, Haun & Heidemann PC is listed as attorney for the plaintiff, along with Gary Robb of Robb & Robb LLC in Kansas City.

On the count of negligence, the suit alleges that licensed pilot Lambert was negligent by failing to maintain proper control of the plane; to maintain an adequate and safe altitude leading to the crash; and to conduct a proper and safe landing.

Ownership of Missouri Insulation rests with a trust Lambert established before he died. It is unclear whether the lawsuit is targeting that ownership.