Personal Injury Roundup No. 15 (11/14/08)

It's been almost exactly a year since I started blogging here.  I want to thank Bill and Sheila again for such a great opportunity.  Now, on to torts... 

Reform, Legislation, Policy

• Senate Finance Chair Max Baucus (D-MT) calls for legal reforms.  (LegalNewsline)

New Lawsuits

• Classmates.com user sues; Alleges classmates weren't looking for him after all.  (Wired)
• The brothers injured in the Christmas Day tiger attack at the San Francisco Zoo have filed suit.  (Mercury News)
• Victims of Minnesota bridge collapse to bring suit.  (CNN)
• Current and former high school students sue school district over sex story in newspaper.  (The Seattle Times)

Sports and Torts

• A high school football coach is sued by his former player for assault and emotional distress.  The coach allegedly made racially and ethnically charged remarks.  The story is here.
• Man hit in the groin at a batting cage awarded $1.2 million.  (Miami Herald)

Trials, Settlements & Other Ends

• Trial begins in suit attempting to bankrupt Klan group.  (CNN)

Damages

• District court rejects challenge to Exxon Valdez payment plan.  (Cal Punitive Damages)
• MO Court of Appeals allows punies 75X compensatory award.  (Cal Punitive Damages)

Miscellaneous

• Study:  Tax increase on alcohol saves lives.  (CNN)
• Alternatives to the tort system:  Med mal in Saudi Arabia--15 years in prison and 1,500 lashes  (Overlawyered)

Thanks to Eric Turkewitz and Bill.

--CJR