Rep. Kucinich sues over olive pit in sandwich

[Dave]

I wasn't going to post this but after seeing how much was being asked for in the suit, I decided to post it. The amount being asked for is $150,000. To me, a sitting congressman asking for that kind of money sets a bad example. Its one thing to file a lawsuit for what happened, I have no problem with Kucinich doing that, seeking $150,000 seems to me to be much more then what realistically should of been asked for. I could definetly see in the thousands and maybe like $10 grand.. that should of covered the dental work easily. Throwing on a little bit of money for pain and suffereing is fine too. That doesn't come out to $150,000 though. Dennis needs to man up and reduce the amount being asked for to a more reasonable amount... a congressman should be setting a good example, not contributing to the problem with so many lawsuits asking outrageous amounts of cash!

 

By ANDREW MIGA, Associated Press Andrew Miga, Associated Press – Wed Jan 26, 5:21 pm ET

WASHINGTON – Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio is suing a congressional cafeteria for dental damage he says he suffered after biting into an olive pit in a sandwich wrap he bought there.

Kucinich's attorney, Andrew Young, declined to comment Wednesday on the lawsuit seeking $150,000 in damages from companies involved with the Longworth House Office Building cafeteria. A spokesman in Kucinich's congressional office also declined to comment.

The civil suit filed earlier this month in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia said the wrap "contained dangerous substances, namely an olive pit," that a consumer would not reasonably expect to find in the product served. The suit said that Kucinich suffered "serious and permanent" dental and oral injuries requiring multiple surgical and dental procedures.

Kucinich's lawsuit said the Ohio Democrat bought the sandwich on or about April 17, 2008. He is seeking damages for "past and future medical and dental expenses, compensation for pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment and other damages."

The liberal congressman made an unsuccessful bid for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination.

Two of the companies named in the suit, Compass Group USA Inc. and Performance Food Group Co., declined comment through spokespersons.

[Guidothesemipsuedocaptitalistpig]

I was hoping I was not the only one that thought this lawsuit was an example of a liberal politician gone mad. Upon seeing this in the news I had to go look up who this guy was really.

It seems he was almost got recalled as mayor of Cleveland Ohio. And having one of the most liberal voting records in the Senate I guess he qualifies as having absolutely no problem spending other peoples money.

He did vote to pull out of NAFTA ( I saw that as a good thing) but I think that was a fluke. Looking at his past votes and such I almost have to believe this is a grudge lawsuit of some sort. I don't have time to look up if the two large companies listed in the suit are non union or something lol.

If everyone in the U.S followed this dudes example however.. the courts would be swamped with people who need a life and a job I think.

[Willy]

I agree Dave. He may get the money but he is going to lose a lot more. He can kiss his political career good bye because anyone who apposes him for re-election will be using this as an example of bad judgement. He does deserve compensation but he's going way over board on the amount just like he and his cronies in Congress have done with Federal spending and debt. 

[J.B]

IS EVERY ONE THINK HE IS DOING IT FOR THE MONEY OR JUST TO PUT MORE OUT OF WORK AND GAIN VOTES.   LOL

[AQUAMAN]

Before I dive in too deep, I think it would be interesting to know exactly how much the Dentist's and reconstructive surgeries cost, and how long and how much he suffered. Biting down on an olive pit, could cause enormous suffering, perhaps more than what is being reported. Permanent loss of adult teeth, reconstruction, that alone could amount to $20+ grand. These suits are usually covered by the company's insurance, and they drag it out for up to 7 years to settle sometimes. By that time, money has usually dropped in value by 50% or more. If he only asked and sued for $50K, they would want to settle for $10-20K if you're lucky. The attorney usually decides on what the amount to sue for is, not the plaintiff in most cases too. But as you all have said, it does send the wrong message for a man in his position for sure.

[Willy]

As a member of Congress, Kucinich has one of the best health care plans in the World. He gets paid even though he doesn't show up for work. He has a staff to do his reading and running around. So what expenses has he incurred?