"Sacramento jury awards $16.6 million for mom's death in Wii radio contest" Where has personal responsibility gone? And our legal system is truly in trouble... http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/story/2293355.html
I heard some talk about that contest on another radio show, The Free Beer and Hotwings show for anyone in one of their markets. Apparently the contest hosting show did not do any checking on possible consequences of all that water and refused to stop when nurses and doctors warned them during the show. That's probably what the link in the previous post demonstrates. That woman should have known when to stop but they have some responsibility not to encourage dangerous behavior. That said, 16M seems a little steep.
I agree about personal responsibility. However, most had never heard of water intoxication, and the radio show should have done some due-diligence before enacting something like this.
I agree. They proved that these guys KNEW the risks and continued to do it after the warning signs where there from the contestant. If a radio contest tells you to pour gas over yourself and then play with matches, I can't see how they would be any less liable. It's a tragedy that did not need to happen.
Actually, they did investigate and they knew the risks and warning signs. But, they proceeded anyway because... it was funny. It's not funny now.
I was listening to radio snippets today from that broadcast. Crass, and frankly, they and the radio station got what they deserved.
My thoughts? $16m? fair amount? yes i think the radio station was partially responsible, so was the participant...what i have a problem is the award amount..im sure it will be reduced on appeal...
Justified? So basically you're assigning a value of $15 million on human life? I can't agree with this at all, and to be honest it makes me somewhat sick. "On a separate vote of 9-3, jurors awarded the plaintiffs $15.1 million for the loss of Jennifer Strange's love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, affection, society, moral support, training and guidance."
Its impossible to put a value on a human life. Whats more important in cases like this is that the two scumbag DJs and anyone else who knew the risks but let it continue go to prison. If it were my wife no amount of money would sooth the pain...but I would want to make sure that it was a high enough amount that those responsible were bankrupt.
If this were about justice and not just a cash grab, it would be jail time for all those involved. Funny how people are always disturbed by reports of "blood money" paying off victims families in other parts of the world, but nobody has a problem with this type of idiocy here at home. Oh, and stupid is as stupid does. If they had a contest to see who could jump from the highest point, would people flock to compete?
You cant compare jumping off a cliff to drinking water. Most people would never think they could die from drinking water. I certainly didnt know that. This is a common problem with our society...the idea that its okay to take advantage of someone if they are ignorant in some way. Its not okay to take advantage of others ignorance any more than its okay for a stronger person to beat up a weaker person. This attitude is ultimately what caused the fall of our economy and what will be the fall of our race unless it changes.
+1000000000000 Jer, You are on it. Especially after the fact people (docs) called in warning all involved.
Does anyone know how munch water she drank. I'm really surprised that you can drink that much water without throwing up.
Don't the words greed and stupidity have a place in this discussion? It appears that these days you can make people do anything if there's a little reward at the end. I bet you can die in a hamburger-eating contest too. What ever happened to personal responsibility? There's an up and a downside in any contest you partake in. Sometimes the downside is a monetary contribution, sometimes it is a physical performance. How much you are willing to give up depends on the size of the reward and your chance of obtaining it. It is the risk-factor you are weighing before your decision to participate, or pulling out of the event before you reach the ultimate goal. How is this verdict going to impact on TV and radio, or any form of contest? What with series like Survivor etc? Is this verdict a yardstick to at which point people need to be protected against their own greed and stupidity?
I know the morning after the chicken wing eating contest I was sitting on the toilet thinking, "I wonder if I could sue somebody" Then I would scream again and shoot hot fire out my ass.