Conn. Teens Could face Harsher DUI Penalties
The governor of Connecticut wants to crackdown on underage drinking with a proposal that would mandate substance abuse counseling and a minimum year-long license suspension for teens convicted of DUI.
“We need to put teeth into our laws that will deter those from drinking and driving from doing so,” said Gov. M. Jodi Rell.
High Priority Proposal
The proposal comes in the wake of a rash of teenage deaths, and it already has support from two members of the state’s legislative transportation committee and Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
According to Janice Heggie Margolis of MADD, enacting stricter DUI penalties for teen offenders is “absolutely appropriate.” A recent statewide poll seemed to echo this sentiment, with the majority of those surveyed favoring tougher laws.
“Trying to tighten the DUI standards for young drivers is a high priority,” said State Sen. Donald DeFronzo.
If passed, the proposal add to existing laws that set a midnight curfew for teen drivers and do not allow new teen drivers to have young passengers in the vehicle.
One of the Largest Medical Malpractice Settlements in Conn. History
A Connecticut jury awarded $38.5 million in damages to a boy born with cerebral palsy and his family. The verdict is believed to be one of the largest of its kind ever handed down in the state.
Spencer’s Birth
Spencer Oram was delivered by Caesarean section in 2003 by Dr. Corinne De Cholnoky, a private practice obstetrician. The delivery took place at Stamford Hospital.
According to the family’s lawsuit, Spencer’s umbilical cord was blocking the flow of blood to his brain and De Cholnoky failed to perform the C-section in time to prevent brain damage.
Spencer now suffers from cerebral palsy. His twin sister, who was born less than half an hour earlier, is healthy.
Jury Verdict
The hospital and its medical staff were cleared in the matter, and De Cholnoky was found liable for the family’s damages. She has been sued once before, but that lawsuit was dismissed, her attorney said.
The majority of the award will go to Spencer to cover his medical care and suffering. His parents will receive $1 million.
Woman Mauled by Bulldog Settles for $1M
A California woman who suffered severe facial injuries when she was attacked by an American bulldog recently settled her case for a reported $1 million in damages.
Wendy Rydberg spent several days in the hospital after being mauled by the 90-pound bulldog on her way to pick up her two children from a bus stop. Since the attack, she has had three surgeries to reduce scarring on her cheek, nose, and lips.
Criminal Charges
Criminal charges were filed against the dog’s owner, Emmellia Dale-Pincus, who admitted responsibility as part of a plea agreement. Her mother, who purchased the dog, was also charged but that case was eventually dismissed.
Dog Bite Lawsuit
Rydberg filed a dog bite lawsuit to recover damages related to her injuries. Under a settlement reached last week, Rydberg will receive $900,000. The remaining $100,000 will be split between her husband and two children.
“I feel like an extreme pressure is gone, just a relief that this is over,” she said.
Estate Planning Expert On LW Online Forum
A leading expert on estate planning for retirement benefits will be available to answer questions for free on Lawyers Weekly's Online Forum.
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