Posted on 10/29/2009 3:17:31 PM PDT by BykrBayb
Edited on 10/29/2009 6:10:44 PM PDT by Admin Moderator. [history]
A Sacramento County jury has awarded $16.5 million to the family of a 28-year-old woman who died after participating in a radio station's water-drinking contest.
Jennifer Strange, a mother of three, died of acute water intoxication in January 2007 after the challenge to see which contestant could drink the most water without using the restroom. A Nintendo Wii video game was the prize for winning the "Hold Your Wee for a Wii" contest.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
I don’t know why, but their argument reminded me of the turtle and the snake. It’s not the same thing, but their argument that she should have known what to expect made me think of this.
Mr. Snake approaches Mr. Turtle on a river bank and asks Mr. Turtle for a ride across the water since he can’t swim the river himself. Mr. Turtle politely refuses to oblige, reasoning that if he were to give Mr. Snake a ride across the river, he would surely be bitten. Mr. Snake protests saying that it would be foolish for him to bite the one carrying him, since it would result in him perishing also. Mr. Turtle considers the argument, then agrees to ferry Mr. Snake over the broad river. When they are half way across the river Mr. Turtle feels a sharp pain and realizes he has been bitten by Mr. Snake. As the venom is beginning to take effect, Mr. Turtle sadly and resolutely asks Mr. Snake why he bit him, since the biting will also result in Mr. Snake’s demise. A wry smile came upon Mr. Snake’s face. “I bit you because I am a snake, Mr. Turtle; that is my nature.”
I’m having a real problem trying to understand why her death was worth $16.5 million. Seems a bit over the top.
I feel the tide is turning in this discussion, and I'm not wet behind the ears, so I know this sort of thing comes in waves.
Maybe we should pool our resources, and float a few of our best ideas, and let them sink or swim...
See! Dihydrogen monoxide kills. Ban it!
She did sign a waiver and had access to callers with medical training.
They can’t have anyone sign away their liability, it just doesn’t work. Sure, many organizations require one but it doesn’t prevent lawsuits or anything like that.
I have no problem with this verdict. Total stupidity to do this and not have an MD present.
I agree.
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