As long as we're at it, here's my personal favorite: A while back, there was a kid's toy called the Slip'n'Slide... basically a long vinyl envelope with a hose fitting at one end. You roll it out on the ground, hook up a hose, and it fills with water, as little holes on top provide a very slippery sprinkler effect. The little ones then run and jump on to it, sliding happily to the end. Well... the mfr. clearly points out on the box that there is an age limit (7? 8? Don't recall), and this thing is meant to be set up on an incline, AND- most important- the kids should always go feet-first, on their keisters. Common sense, right? And despite it being very obvious, the mfr. covered themselves by reminding people how to use it safely- on the box!!
So here we are at a lovely family gathering; the kids are having a ball with the Slip'n'Slide... no problems yet, even tho' it is set up on level ground (mistake #1). Along comes this overweight (not making fun; it's an important factor) middle-aged guy (an uncle, I think), who decides to get some laughs and have some fun. He takes a running start and DIVES- yes, arms outstretched, and for some reason, head down with his chin on his chest. Can you guess what happens? Yes, he makes contact with the crown of his head, his considerable mass pile-driving him headfirst into the ground. Didn't slide so much as an inch (I saw the video of this on TV). We're talking a very very serious spinal cord injury here, high on the neck- I believe he was left paralyzed to the extent that he could only communicate by blinking.
Now, I feel for this guy, and his family... they were facing a very difficult and expensive future. They were not wealthy people, and obviously lifestyles and careers would be compromised in order to help care for him, on top of the enormous medical costs. I don't know if his insurance (if any) was going to even make a dent. As far as gov't assistance goes in the US, he wouldn't have gotten very much. Very sad. But...
I think you know what happens next- they sued the mfr. ::)
It was settled out of court, with the mfr. awarding a much smaller sum than the "victim's" lawyers originally quoted. It must have galled them to pay out, but had it gone to court, the "victim's" lawyer would've played the pity card for all it was worth, and oncethe press got hold of the tale, people would suddenly believe the Slip'n'Slide was an instrument of the Devil... not good for sales.
Again, I pity this fool, but he was just that- a fool. There is probably nothing manufactured anywhere by anyone that some idiot cannot hurt himself with. Hell, you could kill someone with a pillow, if you do it right.
Why should a toy mfr., who clearly stated on the box the limitations and safety guidelines for use of their product, have to fork over a penny to someone who simply didn't use their common sense? It's outrageous!
As far as the lawyer or lawyers go... I dunno. I suppose if they were really greedy, they would've fought to bring the case to court, in hopes of a big payout. But if I were in their shoes, I don't think I would've touched it.
IMHO, the decline of personal accountability in modern society is clearly destructive... when you think about it, it also erodes personal freedom. If the masses are considered too stupid to think for themselves, why, the government ought to do it for them...
Posted: Sat Feb 05, 2005 6:11 pm
Wonder how they came to that conclusion. 
LMAO.......! 
I doubt anyone has much of anything once they're accused: Privacy, defence...
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