The Most Outrageous Personal Injury Claims

Most people expect laws to protect them in a crisis and to be firm, just, and fair to all. However, every once in a while an unusual case appears, and then you just have to wonder.

1. Trespassing unpunished. Two boys, Kline and Bird, were skateboarding one day in 2002, but that became boring so they acted on an urge to explore the property of Amtrak and Norfolk Southern Corporation. They climbed up on a train for a better view of the property, but in doing so failed to notice an uninsulated wire suspended above it. Kline suffered burns to over 75% of his body, and Bird, who ran for help, was burned more than 12%. The boys were obviously trespassing when they were hurt, but the jury ignored that and charged the company. Kline and Bird were awarded compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and also for “loss of life pleasures.” The amount of the settlement was $24.2 million.

2. Baking bad. In 2004, two teenage girls, Taylor and Lindsey, decided to do a good deed for the neighborhood. They baked cookies and distributed them to their neighbors. However, they wanted their kind act to remain a secret, so they delivered the cookies at night. While on their mission one evening, they startled a woman named Wanita so much that she had an anxiety attack and landed in the hospital. Despite the apology from the girls, a lawsuit followed. Wanita was awarded $900 for medical expenses. Her demand for $3,000 in punity damages, however, was denied.

3. A denied pig. A woman who was suffering from depression sued Grand Valley State University in Michigan because she was not allowed to carry her guinea pig around on the campus. She won the case on her claim that the school ignored her medical condition by denying her the comfort of her pet. The settlement was $40,000.

4. Deadly pruning. Cawood Hancock was pruning trees at the Johnson estate when he fell through a metal grill cover. Although his injuries were not serious, he later developed a blood clot and died. His widow sued the Johnson family and won $445,515.90. The court ruled that the Johnsons were guilty of denying care because they failed to warn Hancock about the metal lid.

5. Post-traumatic stress disorder. This case happened in 1964 when a woman named Gloria was involved in a minor incident on a cable car. Her injuries were not dramatic, but the case went to trial. When Gloria was called to testify, she claimed that the traumatic event had caused her to suffer from what she described as an insatiable need for sex. The trial ended not only with $50,000 for Gloria, but also with the title of the first court-recognized, post-traumatic stress disorder.

Strange as it may seem, these tales are true. Who knows when or where the next outrageous personal injury claim will be awarded to a “needy” person?

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