Homeowners Insurance? Check. Okay NOW you can call 911.
11 October 2007Well, dear readers…let me direct you to this story here.
A police officer, a Sergeant, was doing her job as a public servant…slipped, fell and is now suing the people who called 911 for help. Evidentially, her insurance and disability (paid for with taxes, mind you) are not enough for her. These people were negligent, during an emergency situation and of course, they should have to pay.
Am I the only one who finds this to be…just in very very poor taste? To the department’s credit, the chief and the city have come out against the suit:
“As Chief of Police I do not support the lawsuit filed by Sgt. Eichhorn and her attorney. The City of Casselberry through its workers comp carrier has covered the expenses associated with Sgt. Eichhorn’s on-the-job injury and is not a party to this action. What happened to the Sergeant was an accident. She has been compensated for all time off the job due to this injury. “
While that is all well and good it still denotes a disturbing trend. These are people who choose to a dangerous job. What would happen if Firefighters started suing civil or structural engineers because of collapsing walls in a burning building? What would happen if police officers, responding to a home invasion tripped on a piece of furniture while entering the home…decided to sue the homeowner?
Do you call your homeowner/liability agent BEFORE you call 911?
As taxpayers, we are liable for keeping public servants healthy, and fix the injuries they get on the job. Why then, does this officer deserve another bite at the apple? I have a simple solution for this dilemma. If the Sergeant wants to sue, she should be stripped of her police immunity. You heard me right. Why should she enjoy the benefit of being able to do her job liability free, if the public can not rest easy knowing they can’t call 911 and be liability free?
This suit is disgusting, and wrong on so many levels…vocabulary fails me. This Sergeant is setting a bad example, and a bad precedent. One can only hope that someone, anyone, brings her to her senses. If not, I hope the community she serves turns her into the pariah she deserves to be made into.
Current Mood:
Annoyed & 
Hostile
