Comments on: Update: N.M. pipeline rescuers can sue for emotional distress

By: OBQuiet

OBQuiet — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 17:18:06 +0000

Silly me. I should have read the article. It seems that the reason this is being allowed is that “the injuries exceeded the normal scope of injuries inherent in the profession.”

Are they saying that the Gas company could be liable because the Fire Fighters were not able to deal with seeing the carnage? Would having more cynical first responders have been better for the company? What control does the gas company have of the emotional composition and after-care of the ‘victims’?

Absurd!

By: OBQuiet

OBQuiet — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 17:07:06 +0000

Mr. Neal,

Perhaps they the NMSC is hoping to save the government money. With such a high likelihood of some major compensation flowing their way, it should not be difficult replace all paid emergency responders with volunteers. Much like contingency fee lawyers.

By: Bob Neal

Bob Neal — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 08:43:24 +0000

Good lord. Under the NMSC’s rationale, every emergency responder has a cause of action after every service call.

By: James Fulford

James Fulford — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 01:48:11 +0000

The alternative view is that to allow the suits to go forward would “reward reckless or intentional acts”…by the plaintiffs lawyers.