motorist sues parents of dead teenage cyclist for damages

[kerrybelle]

Not that this has to do with cyclists getting hit.

Why yes, it does.....

A drunk-driver who killed a cyclist has been sentenced to ten years in prison in the U.S., after the judge heard a recorded jail conversation in which she laughed about "taking out a tree hugger, a bicyclist, a Frenchman and a gay guy all in one shot." Melissa Arrington, 27, a barmaid and exotic dancer from Tucson, Arizona, could have received as few as four years behind bars after she killed cyclist Paul L'Ecuyer while driving under the influence on the night of December 1, 2006. She was sentenced to 10 years - one year shy of the maximum prison term for negligent homicide - after the judge heard a telephone conversation between her and a male friend one week after L'Ecuyer was killed. During the conversation, the man told Arrington that an acquaintance believed she should get a medal and a parade because she had "taken out a tree hugger, a bicyclist, a Frenchman and a gay guy all in one shot."[3]

You can read the whole article here:

http://newsfeedresearcher.com/data/a....13.19.38.html

[lauraelmore1033]

I think one would have to be sociopathic to some degree to launch such a suit against grieving family after having killed a loved one. Now that I think about it, the really scary person here is the LAWYER who thought it would be a good idea...

[Mr. Bloom]

I detest the plaintiffs who believe ithat such entitlements are afforded under the law.

I detest the lawyers who enable it.

But, often it's jurys of our peers who make it happen.

You can sue for anything. Honestly, the possibility of being sued helps keep many businesses honest. But the excesses clog up the system for everyone!

If you don't recall the case, here's a prime example of excess (without loss or injury) from my home state of Alabama (one of the worst for tort excess):

BMW vs. Gore

[lauraelmore1033]

I hadn't heard of that case, Mr S.. That was outrageous! I do see the point you are making. I wasn't making one of those knee-jerk condemnations of lawyers in general, BTW. Just a condemnation of the one guy. I do have a Democrat's appreciation for the legal processes ...

[Mr. Bloom]

I wasn't making one of those knee-jerk condemnations of lawyers in general, BTW. Just a condemnation of the one guy.

I knew that...sorry if I implied otherwise...and I agree with you 100%.