The filing of the lawsuit on behalf of the Gratton Family against Super Boat International for the wrongful death of offshore powerboat racer Joey Gratton on Nov. 11 during the Super Boat International Key West World Championships has been postponed, according to Michael Allweiss, the St. Petersburg, Florida-based attorney for the Gratton family. In an earlier report, Allweiss said he had planned to file the suit this week.

“As it stands right now, we will not be filing suit this week because the insurance company attorneys have asked us to work with them while they conduct their own investigation,” said Allweiss. “We agreed. The lawsuit is ready and we will be seeking damages in excess of $15,000, which is the jurisdictional threshold for Florida circuit court, if and when we have to institute litigation. Hopefully that will not be necessary and the Gratton family can ensure the future safety of all offshore racers without resorting to the courts.”

Contacted this morning by telephone for a response to the postponement to the lawsuit, a representative for Super Boat International declined to comment.