Sue aggressors in defense situations
Via David, we learn of a new twist in civil suits:
A mechanic wounded by a gunshot should pay the man who shot him at least $250,000.
That was the verdict Thursday of a Sedgwick County jury, following legal battles that have paraded through both the criminal and civil district courts.
The lawsuit ended nearly 18 months after a jury in a criminal trial found that Dan Herpolsheimer of Mulvane shot Keith McGinley in self-defense.
McGinley sued Herpolsheimer, who responded with a counterclaim for battery and trespassing.
Now, McGinley stands to lose another $500,000, because Thursday’s verdict allows Herpolsheimer to seek punitive damages, which can equal up to three times a jury award.
See, one man shot another in self-defense. The guy who was shot sued. He lost. The guy acting in self-defense counter-sued and won. Good.
March 7th, 2006 at 12:57 pm
It’s because this happened in Red America. If it had been California, the Good Guy would likely be out of luck.
March 7th, 2006 at 2:44 pm
Thanks for the summary – ’cause I was lost.
March 7th, 2006 at 6:18 pm
What would make it perfect is if the courts will make the goblin’s lawyers pay – because no way will an unsuccessful criminal have a half-million bucks.