CRANDON, Wis. (AP) -- An attorney says Forest County has denied claims seeking millions of dollars for the families of young people fatally gunned down by an off-duty sheriff's deputy.

Charles Bohl said Thursday the county took no action on the claims within 120 days, which means they were automatically denied under state law.

Bohl, an attorney for the county's liability insurance company, says the denial means the families can now file civil lawsuits if they desire.

The notices of claim alleged negligence by Tyler Peterson's employers contributed to the shooting rampage last October that killed six young people at a party in Crandon. Peterson later committed suicide.

The families' attorney did not immediately return a telephone message seeking comment.