Man sues girl, 11, for compensation
Following the launch of a public awareness campaign against “abusive lawsuits” a family has told the story of how a neighbour sued them after crashing into their daughter with his bike.
Posted on YouTube, Jon and Janet Ellis’ story said their daughter Lauren, now 16, was struck outside their Chester Town home from behind by a neighbour riding a bicycle.
While she turned left and onto the path of the bicycle, the cyclist was said to have flipped over the handlebars and broke his collarbone.
The biker, 54-year-old Alexander Dlugi, reportedly sued Lauren, who was then 11, and her parents.
His lawyer argued that the accident was caused by Lauren, who drifted left into the street, and that even 11-year-olds were legally responsible for their actions.
The legal proceedings have dragged for four years.
But while Dlugi argued he had sustained a fairly significant injury and didn’t think his lawsuit was abusive, he added that he wished the case had been settled amicably out of court.
He explained that he was hoping to get some compensation from the public liability insurance, but his lawyers guided him into the lawsuit.
“Unfortunately, it got out of hand. When adult sues a child, it is rather awkward,” he lamented.
Updated on 12/10/2008