Student to get $6M after tripping, breaking arm in gym class

[TexasTowelie]

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - A jury in New Jersey has awarded $6 million to a student who tripped over a cable and broke her arm and elbow in gym class when she was in middle school.

The judgment for Destinee Dickens, 19, came last month following a five-day trial.

In 2011, Dickens was 13 and with classmates at Union Avenue Middle School in Irvington when they were on a path leading to an athletic field. Her right shoe got caught when she attempted to leap over the cable, which was placed to prevent vehicles from driving on the field.

"I think that the jury believed this was a preventable accident," said her lawyer, Gregg Stone. "She has developed arthritis and is unable to extend her arm," Stone said.

Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/new_jersey/20171003_ap_d23cd537886a4c6b852e319af92e785b.html

[Watchfoxheadexplodes]

1. As she attempted to leap over the cable?

Doctors bills maybe but 6 million?

[msongs]

2. sounds like her choice to leap instead of use another strategy may be at fault here nt

[TexasTowelie]

3. The student was found to be 25% at fault.

The verdict was for $8 million which was reduced to $6 million for her contributory negligence. While I doubt that she will receive the full amount of the verdict it seems excessive relative to the type of injury, the pain and suffering, and the loss of future earning capacity.

[Doreen]

4. WTF!!

Is there no such thing anymore as being a clutz and just an accident or miscalculation when jumping over anything? I would not sue for something that trivial. Yeah, maybe getting help with the medical but not 6 million!!