I haven’t seen anything about what injuries were sustained here. What can you do to yourself falling off a toilet that would be worth that amount of money? Anybody out there know?
If I were Donald Trump, I would fire the person that agreed to this settlement. This lady should be required to forgo her SS checks since she just won the lawsuit lottery.
She should’ve sued the toilet paper company too.
I bet the paper was too thin for heavy duty use, her fingers went through & she accidentally “goosed” herself. This caused her to jump up, and when she landed, the toilet broke off causing this “injury”.
Does anyone know how much she weighs?
1.2 million? This is ridiculous.
I don’t understand the whole settlement bu I really don’t understand the “social club” comment………..”Ciocci had claimed that injuries from the fall at the Taj Mahal prevented her from avoiding more serious injuries during a second fall at a Reading, Pa., social club in 2006. She claims the second fall left her permanently disabled.”
Does this mean she was more careful when getting on the toilet?
Maybe this is the first time someone failed to get a straight flush and won big not in spite of it but because of it.
See, you can win big at the casinos.
Reminds me of the Utah Phillips routine where he says one of his ancestors, who was an electrician in Oklahoma, turned out to be a pioneer in the travel business. It was rural electrification time back then in the 30s, for Federal buildings and restrooms/outhouses, even those in the tribal territories. After a long build-up, Utah finally says: “Yup, he was the first person ever to wire a head for a reservation.”
Sounds like she tried to sue the social club … which was ruled that her injuries were sustained from an earlier fall (Taj), didn’t collect a dime, then the ambulance chaser went after Trump, who is obviously a Rosie O’Donnell Fan
Although the Taj Mahal admitted liability in Ciocci’s first fall, it denied responsibility for the second one. The casino blamed her injuries in the second fall on her extreme weight. Court papers indicated Ciocci is only 5-foot-1, but weighs 320 pounds and has been using a wheelchair for several years.
Maybe she fell and cracked her knee…
…which could have made it hard for her to catch herself the second time she was falling? (it did not mention a toilet in the 2nd fall).
Can’t believe that a jury paid her that kind of money for falling off a toilet. Truth be known, she probably hurt herself trying to get up and besides, being only 5’1″ and falling from the toilet, how far did she fall, about six inches?
injured her left arm, which “resulted in pain, numbness, tingling in her left hand, moderate to severe left carpal tunnel syndrome and mild axonal neuropathy.” A year and a half later, Ciocci fell again, which, argued her attorney, “came about because of the significant physical disability in her left arm caused by the earlier bathroom fall,” the article continues
I’m not trying to be overly critical. There is no explanation in the article of why such large damages were considered appropriate. Where is the lack of compassion in that question? This is an insurance business forum.
OK, so I feel bad if the little porker “cracked a knee” (this is just a guess). But not for 1.2 million.
I wonder if toilets are bench tested?
So she’s 320 lbs, and makes a deposit of 80lbs, that’s 400 solid which creates a lot of stress for porcelain & 2 bolts.
I think I will sue her just for aggravating me.
Um, compassion does not belong in the insurance business. Go work for a non-profit or some touchy-feely job with retarded children if you want compassion. Insurance is about liars, scammers and fraud oh and scum sucking trial attornies.
Sorry but carpel tunnel syndrome does not happen because of an alleged “slip & fall”. Talk about an attorney who was a failed creative writing major at university. I guess liberl arts majors really do make the best trial attorneys. It is obvious to figure out that the majority of the “injuries” sustained by this morbidly obese woman was due to her own negligence and weight. I hope she uses the $$ for a gastic by-pass surgery.
Our unit has handled a couple of losses similar to this. For one of the claims, The toilet actually broke apart, causing the claimant to sustain lacerations that required about 50 stitches to repair the wounds. That claim was setttled for about 3% of this one.
Target defendant + Desire to avoid adverse publicity = overpayment of a claim. I too have handled a few of these claims. The farthest distance from bowl to floor on a wall mount unit is 24″. I’ve never had a claimant whose weight is within a reasonable range (
Casino’s are prime targets for attorneys. Nobody likes casino’s and a review of decisions against them find them to be magnified. That being said, I am confident the manufacturer of the toilet, the general contractor and maintenance company are on notice and will be handling the financial consequences of this event. As far as the verdict…ridiculous. It reminds me of the Lt. Paula Coughlin vs. Hilton Hotel Corporation wherein Lt. Coughlin (Navy) claimed she was accosted by fellow Navy personnel but it was the Hilton Hotel security personnel’s fault. That verdict was $6.8M…it made me want to throw up.
So … one night after a night of hard drinking, I dozed a little on the toilet (like you’ve never done it!) First I saw a quick white flash, followed by an extreme close-up of an ant running on the floor. By next morning, I had an eye that looked like a softball. Turns out, the toilet seat was loose enough that could have caused the fall off the toilet, and the subsequent blood pattern on the tub from my face.
Sounds like I could have had the same deal (double vision, headaches, and a finger nail that won’t grow back correctly). Too bad the statue of limitations has lapsed. Speaking of which, 1.5 years later (well within your normal 2 year statue), let the games begin. Not to mention, if she really was in a wheelchair for years prior, and the fall caused carpel tunnel … wheelchair – carpel tunnel – I have a friend that would attest to the relationship there. Just the fact that the Lawyer tried that angle shows a stretch. As a matter of fact today, I SMASHED my kneecap on the corner of my desk just this morning, and it feels like it split in two (seriously). Looks like I can go after the manufacturer for making the corners too sharp, or the leather chair manufacturer that made the chair swivel so freely which caused the acceleration in the spin to smash into the desk, and the coffee chain that burned my tongue because their coffee is too hot.
You’re right, this is an insurance website. I say … Blame it on the Credit Card and Fast Food companies that have caused a “feeding frenzy” of liability suits. With America in so much debt and people hungry for a way out, not to mention the obesity issue, it seems we are now rewarding egg sucking dogs for the bad choices they make. Accidents happen, and those that have their hand out will have to answer to their Maker. So that $1.2 million could have been donated to the Jimmy Fund (of which Trump donates to along with other charities) to help raise the chances of survival for children and adults with cancer around the world.
Which one serves the greater good? And it was a settlement … meaning no jury. So yes, fire the person who approved the claim, because I have to believe no jury would have climbed that high of an award. UNLESS … where was something bigger that was not made public?
Here are some additional facts on this case. The exerpts are taken from statements made to the local media.
“The second fall occurred April 5, 2006, when Ciocci was at a social club in Reading. Pa. She was standing by her wheelchair when she lost her balance and was unable to brace herself because of her weakened left arm. She broke her left humerus, the bone that runs from the shoulder to the elbow, and required two operations for the injury, according to court documents.
Although the Taj Mahal admitted liability in Ciocci’s first fall, it denied responsibility for the second one. The casino blamed her injuries in the second fall on her extreme weight. Court papers indicated Ciocci is only 5-foot-1, but weighs 320 pounds and has been using a wheelchair for several years.
“The allegation that (Ciocci) would have been able to catch herself/brace herself if it were not for the alleged residual injuries from the incident which occurred at Trump Taj Mahal is even more far-fetched and in fact, damn near impossible … given (her) stature and complete lack of physical fitness,” the casino argued in court papers.”
This makes the settlement even more suspect. We have a wheelchair bound 74 year old behemoth who likes to hang out at casinos and social clubs. The plft. argument she would have been able to prevent her fall in the second incident is asburd. She would have snapped her arm off.
In this case I don’t think she deserved a $1.2 million settlement.
But some of your attitudes towards large people. Wow. It’s like fat people deserve to be hated by all of western society, even more so than child molesters.
I think it’s because size is an easy target. You can’t tell just by looking at most people whether or not there’s something about them which you can judge.
However, with fat people, you can instantly judge them because of their size, therefore it takes no effort on your part. You don’t have to invest any time in getting to know them first.
I’m sure some people would try to validate their bigotry by saying “Well, I hate fat people because they’re unhealthy and that makes problems for insurance carriers and that gives me a right to judge them or talk smack.” So are you then saying that you yourself are in perfect health and so are all of your friends and family? Or do you disown someone once you realize they have cancer or suddenly fall beneath your “health” standards?
There are people of all sizes with health problems (Karen Carpenter, Lance Armstrong, both thin, both have have, and one died from, serious health issues) and people of all sizes who sue and use the courts as a lottery.
Believe it or not, there are also big people who live remarkably normal lives with no health problems related to their size. They’re just bigger than average.
Attack the woman for whatever reasons you want, I guess. But in my opinion, attacking her because of her size is really cliche and tired. If you’re going to be hateful, at least be creative or funny. Gah.
Somewhere along the line this became not a forum for comments about the article but a forum for comments about obesity.
The settlement in and of itself was absurd but what went past absurdity was when the purported professionals took what was an interesting albeit strange and made it a forum for their personal feelings towards obesity. One or two jokes were expected but the joke is not the lady or her weight, the joke is on us as the professional who felt it necessary to pay that settlement due to the venue, facts, defendants’ standing in the community, etc. I don’t disagree with the position, I don’t have the facts. I can imagine a target defenant and poor venue creating a setting in which one might feel it necessary to make this type of settlement. I just don’t have the information available to make that call. Perhaps those of you who are making the jokes concerning obesity might look into yourselves and find that the obesity did not cause the settlement or the amount, the general populace who would act as jurors, the doctors and experts who would testify on her behalf, the Judge who might make the decisions to swing the case, the possible ineptness of defense counsel who may be the brother in law of an insurance professional, politic etc. You can’t tell me that these and other issues have not been faced by each professional that has made the jokes for their own entertainment.
All of us are in someway responsible for that settlement.
You must be proud of your “professional” status at this moment.
People have no shame when it comes to making potty claims. I remember once I worked for a large commercial transportation company and we had a lady who actually sued us because she was trying to urinate in a sink attached to the wall of the bathroom and the sink was not strong enough to support her tremendous weight and she collapsed the sink, part of the wall, the plumbing fixtures and piping. Unbelieveable.
I would have to agree with you there KLS. I know a lot of the posts were supposed to be humerous, but as a former fat person, I don’t see the humor. I recall that people looked at me as less than human when I was a “fatty”. It’s one of the last perfectly acceptable social predudices.
No whining here. Just like you, I’m only voicing what’s on my mind.
Belittling what I have to say doesn’t make your point more valid.
Making fun of/hating/judging fat people doesn’t make the name-caller or the fat person thinner/healthier. Therefore, why do it?
Anyone dare or care to shed a little light what they feel they accomplish by being hateful?
I’m actually very curious. It’s kind of embarrassing to admit this, but mob behavior and bullies fascinate me.
LOL Funny, I know, but it’s true. I read the IJ not just because I’m in the biz, but also because these comment posts are often (even if by accident) amusing and thought provoking.
You can have a room full of anonymous professionals, you add just one or two bullies to the mix and next thing you know, it’s a lynch mob. I know I’m not the only person who thinks this is an interesting phenomenon.
Is it BECAUSE of the anonymous nature of these comment posts that people say hateful things; or would these people actually say these things in mixed company?
Considering some of them are producers and adjusters working directly with the public, I’m seriously wondering if they would discriminate against an insured or claimant for being large. If so, that’s a problem. Regardless of their personal opinions about fat, they owe it to their profession to treat everyone equally.
Anyway, go ahead and call me a whiner. You’re not going to get anything good from it and it doesn’t change my opinion one way or the other. =)
Hey KLS…I used to weigh more than 450 pounds…BELIEVE ME THEY’D SAY IT RIGHT TO YOUR FACE.
Somehow, when you’re fat it’s EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS (from well-meaning loved one’s to total and complete strangers to anonymous posters). Before I lost the weight and stopped being everyone’s business I used to always say well you’re stupid but you don’t see me suggesting you go back to kindergarten do you?
Gee Johnny, do you always speak like a total ***? I don’t know what happened to cause this woman’s accident and I certainly don’t think it’s worth that amount of money. I am speaking towards people like you who feel that it’s ok to treat overweight people like they are less than human. If they are overweight its because they are weak and stupid, right? You are a total idiot.
To say people have gone off on a tangent here is putting it mildly.
As for this claim which has solicited many responses, good or bad, clearly an excessive settlement – Plaintiff counsel should be commended and/or the party with the purse strings should be immediately shown the door.
I totally, totally agree with KLS. I’m obese by most standards but am perfectly healthy, I exercise regularly, don’t drink, don’t smoke. For all the skinny folks apparently posting here –I’ll still be here living long after you because you worry too much about who shouldn’t have gotten what and joking about other people’s weight and being prejudiced. I met a 110 pound women the other day at a health fair who had an LDL of 337. Mine was 117 and I’m over 180 pounds. Yeah maybe this plaintiff will go and treat herself to gastric by pass but either way she’s still considered a screw up by the rest of you.
One thing the insurance journal postings have opened my eyes up to is the fact that people will let you know where they come from and I have to say I respect that. But be that as it may, I feel sorry if your wives, husbands or kids get too fat since you apparently have no respect for complete strangers. Shoot, we all know how Trump feels about fat people after the Rosie incident. She’s sloppy but at least I look good in whatever I put on, that’s why I didn’t take too much offense.
Over a million is alot of money, yes, for such an awful accident but if you’re taking toilers off of walls and such then someone’s not installing these things right. I bet she’s didn’t break the stairs at home or like the Incredible Hulk put holes in the concrete with every step she took.
Also, if obese women are so disgusting to you then stop ogling our breasts!
Just kidding about Bush, I would have to say that Al Gore was the culprit here but he didn’t do it alone, as he enlisted Hillary Clinton to set it all up behind the scenes. She thought Bill might have been involved, but then realized it was flushed water, not white water… but I bet if he could have he would have gotten a piece of that action! THE MONEY People!
Have a Happy Day!
Smile at a skinny person & hug a fatty because they give really good hugs!
BTW – 1.2M is a good deal for a chunky little old lady & for all you old fellas out there thinking about retirement, Casinos & Socials are not so bad & she needs a wheelchair pusher, so if you are in good health you might check & see if she is already taken! Hehehehe
Happy Day said fat people are fun to hug. This is true! Thin people give nice hugs, too… but there’s something very comforting about a hug from a soft, cuddly friend.
Fat people are usually not cold.
Fat women are never mistaken for teenage boys.
Fat women almost always have great boobs. Yay!
Fat people are typically not in a hunger-induced crappy mood.
The best thing about being fat… I never worry I’ll be kidnapped. HA!
Those of us who know better can laugh to ourselves because life is good. And those who want to maintain their prejudice, well that’s a bummer for you, huh?
Well I’m overweight by about 50 pounds and I have to say I agree with Johnny, to those of you who think he was a complete jerk. It’s true, if she wasn’t so heavy the toilet would not have broken so it’s her own fault. Especially being so old, no doubt her doctors have told her to lose weight for her own health, which she clearly ignored, so I feel no sympathy toward her at all. The hefer didn’t deserve a penny.
How many parties posting on here would deem themselves to be claim professionals?
I think everyone has an assumption, and rightfully so, that when they sit down in a restroom stall, a toilet will not break away from the wall or fracture at the base. Not sure who has the ultimate exposure here. But, to point at the claimant and blame her for this loss due to her size would be suicide in terms of a defense. She deserved something, just don’t know how much.
Anyone who thinks differently hasn’t spent enough time in the trenches.
Obviously you have all the facts at hand to evaluate the claim considering the comments you made……..so were you the adjuster that paid the outrageous settlement, or are you just second guessing whoever did and had all the facts to evaluate the claim.
20/20 hindsight is a wonderful thing and everyone has it but it gets you in more trouble than you can imagine. The ECO exposure alone is enough to confound you!!!
When are people going to start taking responsibility for themselves? I guess if toilet companies started putting weight limits on toilets there will be no chance of this happening again. If I was so heavy I broke a toilet I would be embarrassed, I certainly wouldn’t broadcast it to the world by suing and thus pointing out that I am severely overweight. The whole thing is ridiculous. Greed has become a staple of American society.
Phat girl,
Just like you will meet smokers in their 80’s, and we all know health conscious / active people who died in their 30’s, there are always exceptions to the rule. But if I had my way, I would rather be average weight and not overweight.
And just out of curiosity, how can you be obese yet perfectly healthy???
This shall be my last post regarding this issue. I did not adjudicate this claim, nor do I have all the facts. However, I do know that toilets should not break or fall apart once sat upon.
Our unit has has handled two such losses within the last year and yes, liability was accepted and both of these claims were paid, with one being a much more substantial settlement than the other. The mere fact that this happened almost certainly would allow the injured party to recover and/or prevail at trial. I can’t understand, though, how the settlement reached seven figures.
N.I. — never said that and you shouldn’t twist the words of other people or amke up lies to make yourself feel better. If speaking the truth makes me a total *** then so be it as I would rather be an honest person than a liar.
Johnny, you don’t know what truth is. Your version of truth is your limited view of people who don’t fit your ideal. A fatty doesn’t fit that ideal so they are an easy target. I don’t see where this person deserves the lottery payout either, but fat jokes are just a reflection on the inadequate intellect of the joker. As I told someone recently, I have known a lot of people and you aren’t one. (Marx Brothers quote, I think) Oh, and you still are an a*&.
There are plenty of people that are exceptions to the rule and fortunately I am one of them. It doesn’t mean I don’t want my cheerleader figure back either. I just work at it everyday. I get my numbers check every six months and so on. You could get hit by a bus tomorrow and then where would your average weight get you – in the morgue.
It’s like this comedian Mo’Nique says, “Skinny b******* are evil”.
You know not so long ago we used to have claim committee meetings at a former employer to present cases that were interesting or had large exposure or you just wanted a sounding board. Their intent was to be educational, supportive and allow the file handler another viewpoint maybe more than one on how to direct the case. What it became was an execution.
The VP of claims not too bright would grill everyone about each claim to educate himself and obviously the more questions you ask the more you found missing from the facts or from the memory of the person presenting the case. If that person were the nervous type the memory got worse. We had one like that and as much as we tried to tell her to answer only what was asked she persisted in continuing to explain something that could not be explained.
Finally a couple of coworkers and myself sat down with her and told her why she always left these meetings crying and from now on look at us when she spoke and if we found she was talking past the point of no return we would give her a signal, something like slapping our forehead to cause her to end her diatribe without further embarrassment to herself and to the ones that had to witness it.
Surely Johnny must now have a headache from all of the people that gave up hitting their own forehead and started hitting his forehead. May I offer some tylenol.
I’m pretty sure the time is way overdue for this committee to be adjourned.
Again, you can’t be obese and at the same time considered “perfectly healthy”. If you doctor is telling you this, perhaps it is time get a new doctor. Oh, maybe you have that exception to the rule doctor who says being obese means you are healthy.
Speaking of assine comments. Fat or skinny, either way, getting hit by a bus is gonna land you in a morgue.
And I love the contradiction! Leave the poor fat people alone, but them skinny b****** are evil!
You go Chunky Monkey! I love your post & you are dead on with the cuddly, teenage boys, boobs, hunger induced crappy moods & kidnapping possibilities, as well as it being a bummer for those that remain prejudiced, because life is good!
Oh, some skinny B’s are evil but some are as sweet as can be. There is good & evil in everyone, it is knowing which side you want to allow to come through for yourself that makes you who you eventually become.
If you see that you are not a good person & you find that you have few friends, you might want to rethink the way you treat others, because its not how you perceive them, but how they perceive you in the long run, that will determine if they are a friend, an enemy or just an acquaintance.
I don’t know about you, Simmons, but I’m reading out of morbid curiosity at this point.
For what it’s worth, I do believe people in ANY situation can be happy. Probably harder for some than others. Happy doesn’t just fall in your lap. Gotta work for it, but heck yes it’s possible for a fat person to be happy.
You don’t have to be perfect to be happy, Fed Up. I’m sure you realize that, but I would like for you to put it in the context of size. Come on now, think about that for a second…
Smokers aren’t in fine fantastic health, but I know some of them are certainly happy. George Burns smoked like a chimney and he was a happy, dirty old man when he died.
My goofy arse would qualify as fat in most cultures and I’m happy as a clam 99% of the time. It’s a matter of choice.
Get up in the AM and make a conscious decision… are you going to be a grumpy turd all day or are you going to slap on a smile, be thankful for the great things in your life and skip on in to work spreading good vibes in the process?
Grumpy turd is a tempting option, don’t get me wrong. Takes no effort, keeps annoying co-workers away. However, the giver of good vibes has to work a little harder at times, but that person often gets good vibes in return and it starts a pretty cool cycle of exchanging positive energy among the people with whom you spend the day.
You know folks, all in all, we’re probably all pretty neat people. I bet if we all got together for a few beers, we’d find a reason or two to laugh. Yeah, some of ya have WILDLY different perspectives, but you wouldn’t smack each other around would you? Seriously? No way! What would you prove by doing that? Tis a far far better thing to have beers and put it behind you, right? Right.
Once I look like a Dallas Cheerleader again or at least a well paid stripper, I hope I get to keep my DD funbags then it wouldn’t be a happy day for anyone.
you are ridiculous and I wish you would stop speaking on behalf of overweight people. you are ridiculous with you’re “i’m super fat, but super healthy.” and if you are so comfortable with who you are, why are you desperate to become thin?
Please stop. you are the reason women will never rule the world.
Did I ever claim to speak on behalf of all overweight people? Am I missing something here? You people need some anger management classes in the worst way! There are alot of people who claim to be something they’re not and either of you can’t claim to be decent. I know what I know thank you very much.
Massah Simmons you need to get off this post anyway.
I can’t claim to be decent because I called you out when you said you are both obese and healthy? I’m willing to be the medical industry would support me on that, so I guess they aren’t decent as well.
Chocolate globes? Massah Simmons? You need to get together with African Pride. You each have a major chip on your shoulders. Don’t know what race has to do with this as ANYONE can be obese (but not health at the same time), but as long as you are comfortable throwing that out there, I’m happy for you.
Y/W Phat Girl & You Go Girl too! Be happy with who you are because no one else can make you something you are not already in the first place. Never count on anyone else to make you happy, as it’s your own decision & only you have control over those!
As far as the other posters that are venting anger, perhaps they are not who they want to be & you know… some people are just not happy unless they are bent.
Some people never truly face their self for who they are because they live in this fantasy world in their mind where they put their self on a pedestal & anytime anyone else can closely compare they take the offensive & jump up to push someone else down… those people exist & we all know who they are, but sometimes they haven’t a clue & some live & die never knowing that if they would just accept their self for the wonderful creation they are that so much more in this life would be revealed & that they too can be happy in whatever situation they encounter.
Happiness is a decision you make every day over & over, so choose to make the best of your day before it’s done!
See what I mean no matter how many times you give a signal there are those that will ignore it and continue to explain even when it has nothing to do with the topic.
Actually I am Ms. Rogers…. & FYI… the article was about the toilet but the post stream led into what you are reading now. If you have a problem with the posts, you can stop reading them, or stick your head in the toilet, or pull it from the place it’s already stuck & maybe you can get over yourself… or not!
Oh please, any fat person who claims to be happy is full of crap. They tell themselves they’re happy as they’re stuffing the twinkies in so they don’t have to see how fat and miserable they really are and then do something about it. You would probably break the toilet too.
Fed Up… I can see why you call yourself that, since you obviously do not, & most likely, have never experienced happiness first hand. Based on your comments you truly are not aware of anything except maybe your own discontent that you try pushing off on others.
Glad you decided to try your BS on me, as it really doesn’t matter what you think or say & clearly you are giving another person a break by doing so, but you are the one full of crap here, believe it or not.
You really may not have a clue, but just because I am about 30 lbs overweight, doesn’t mean that I am not happy or that I am shoving twinkies, or being miserable… but Fed Up, that is exactly how you are portraying yourself to all the readers of this string… you are a very unhappy person & in so being have a problem with anyone around you being happy so you try to run your head to bring them down but it’s all good because your head means nothing to me…. lalalalalala
As far as breaking toilets, haven’t broken one yet, but if I do I hope that I do it in Vegas!!!!!
I just wanted to say how proud I am of everyone! This was a dead issue when I tried (successfully!) to reincarnate it, and now look at us! We are arguing about this in a completely stupid manner!!!
Brings a tear to my eye that so many people care about this issue! And you do, or else you wouldn’t continue to read the posts.
Thanks for the great comments Chunky Monkey, Phat Girl & Happy Day. I am about 40 pounds overweight, and would like to take it off. That being said, I am healthy. I exercise, have low blood pressure, good cholesterol. Yes, my doctor would like me to drop the pounds before they do cause damage up the road, but at this point I am healthy. And guess what, I am happy! I choose to live every day to the fullest that I can instead of looking back in 20 years asking myself “Why didn’t I do that?” Live for today, enjoy that Twinkie if you’re going to eat it, and love yourself for who you are!
Oh for heaven’s sake, can you get the group hug over with and go on with your day? Why don’t you swap emails and become pen pals, those of us with an interest in this site for work purposes don’t need to hear the mushy garbage between the two of you.
LOL – just kidding – I really don’t think anything would make you a happy person, thats gonna take a lot of waork on your part & from what we have read here I’m just not sure you have it in ya!
Hey Fed Up…I don’t see you attacking other posters on this site for their comments that are not directly related to the article. Hmmm…I don’t think I was the one that began the diatribe on weight issues, but I am one that posted my opinion on the narrow-minded folks that think all overweight people are worthless.
As for the article. It appears there are some facts missing. The defendant admitted liability for the toilet incident…why? Did they have prior notice of a defect with the type of toilet in question? Was there a weight restriction that the facility failed to notify the guests of? Those are the questions I have.
I agree with all posters who stated the woman did not deserve $1.2 million…BUT not because she was overweight/obese. It was just too much money for this claim!
I asked similar questions with the first post on this article and haven’t yet seen anything actually explaining this case. Maybe we should all get back to the insurance purpose of this site.
Well i would rather be a smart@*** than a dumb@ss like you N.I. Never made a fat joke nor did i make fun of fat people. GO BACK AND READ MY POSTS and then try to point out where i did. Oh that’s right, I DIDN’T. Learn to read and comprehend.
I’m bringing up the rear with my comments what a crock of crap. $1.2mill for a toilet breaking and falling on your bum, she must have been pissed. I guess the trauma one will have in not being able to look at another commode or sit on it the same way is very scarring to an individaul. She must have been very flushed during the trial and jury had sympathy for her. It seems that her attorney wasn’t a waste. This case was perfect for trial attorneys since they getting into the sewer.
$1.2mill, boy are things out of control in the U.S. It’s very sad to see where our culture going, everyone is a victim and somebody must always pay.
Jeez, those must not have been little black marshmallows in your Count Chocula this morning… You sound like you are full of it! Hope you get it all out so you don’t get in a bad mood or anything!
I wonder if all the hate sites were down this morning so you had to post here. If the Insurance Journal has to remove any posts, yours would be a prime candidate.
Wow, I hope anz wasn’t directing it to me. I’m an overweight guy and just upset about the settlements. really don’t care if the woman was skinny or fat. It’s a stupid lawsuit.
I guess we will read about anz in the journal sometime for going postal at his insurance agency or company.
I would agree tom. Sounds like somebody needs a little anger management training out there. Then again, there is a lot of this in the postings in this and other sites. I suppose it’s more beneficial if they would just post their hate rather than actually taking up arms.
Typical??? the only thing typical is the ignorance shown by all of these comments. I mean, hey, you have no idea what her injuries were, or what her medical records say, but you automatically assume she should receive “5k max”…..I would ask how you came up with that, but I don’t really care. The unprofessional attitudes show on this site are enough to tell me to be damn glad I don’t have to deal with you on an everday basis.
Ok… read the first sentence of the article: “The Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort has reached a $1.2 million settlement…” So it was the attorneys’ doings, not the courts. (Damn lawyers… it’s always their fault!)
And I’m pretty sure that no insurance company was affected (or harmed) by this settlement. If anything, this falls within Trump’s SIR/SFR (Self-Insured/Self-Funded Retention for you laypersons and other dumb***es).
Ohhh and I too am above the recommended weight charts/table for my height and I am perfectly happy and healthy. In fact, my family tree has a history of “large” and aside from the unexpected, accidental death; nearly all have lived into their 80’s or 90’s. While I’m not morbidly obese, I like my curves. In fact, one of my favorite grandmothers lived to 94 on a diet of Little Debbie’s snack cakes and a dozen eggs every week. So stick that into your slim fast and drink it.
I read this article and see a greedy old lady who happens to be overweight and is clearly not afraid of claiming lawsuits. I can’t help but wonder if she sets these things up on purpose. She obviously spends a lot of time gambling which is where the money will go, and does not hesitate to file a lawsuit at each place she goes. Whether weight is the issue or not, if I broke my hotel room’s toilet I would be offering to pay for the damage, not suing, because I would be completely mortified if I broke that toilet. She clearly has no qualms about suing anyone and everyone. She feasibly could have gotten her medical bills covered but this amount of money is not justified.
Why is it that Greed is the only other smart person on this site and actually “gets” this loss. Some people are so tied up in their PC blinders that they can not see the “big” picture (pardon the pun).
If you read some of the earlier posts (and are willing to weed through most of the others), you will see that this point has been made by several posters. It’s just that no one (including you as well as myself for making this comment) aren’t willing to let the issue die.
Thanks Johnny, I’m sure others have made the same point but it’s hard to tell when everyone feels the need to tell about their personal weight issues and how happy they are being overweight. There are people in the world who take responsibility for their actions (i.e. I would offer to pay the damage) and other people whose first inclination is to blame someone else. I’m proud to say I’m in the first category.
Yeah KLS it was meant to be sarcasticly funny in hopes of bring a smile to the face that was so disgruntled, but I am really glad to know you enjoyed it!
I think it was directed at a post that has since been removed, or I could be mistaken.
Either way it’s all good & don’t eat the dark colored marshmallows out of the big bowl!
This is so funny, you all agree that she was paid too much money, as do I….but you somehow find a way to fight about fat people. Sounds like you are all just hiding behind a computer and never have any face to face confrontation so you take it out on each other via the internet. Get a freaking life and grow up. Its real easy to talk big and make fun of people when no one has a clue who you are.
you all agree that she was paid too much money, as do I…. YEAH THAT’S BEEN SAID NUMEROUS TIMES – YOU ARE VERY OBSERVANT!
but you somehow find a way to fight about fat people. NO FIGHTING – JUST OPINIONS BEING EXPRESSED & I BELIEVE WE ARE STILL IN AMERICA & HAVE THE RIGHT TO DO JUST THAT IF WE SO CHOOSE – KINDA LIKE YOUR OPIONON BEING POSTED TOO…..
Sounds like you are all just hiding (NOT SURE ABOUT YOU BUT I AM WORKING – WELL I WAS) behind a computer and never have any face to face confrontation (I LIKE FACE TO FACE) so you take it out on each other via the internet. AND YOU ARE DOING WHAT???
Get a freaking life and grow up. DO YOU TAKE YOUR OWN ADVICE TOO???
Its real easy to talk big and make fun of people when no one has a clue who you are.
I KNOW WHO I AM!!!!!!!!!!!! I AM NOT MAKING FUN OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE NO CLUE!!!
I guess you just needed to say your piece too huh? Hope this helps!
I haven’t seen anything about what injuries were sustained here. What can you do to yourself falling off a toilet that would be worth that amount of money? Anybody out there know?
If I were Donald Trump, I would fire the person that agreed to this settlement. This lady should be required to forgo her SS checks since she just won the lawsuit lottery.
It hurts me just to read this article. Really, I feel like crap.
She should’ve sued the toilet paper company too.
I bet the paper was too thin for heavy duty use, her fingers went through & she accidentally “goosed” herself. This caused her to jump up, and when she landed, the toilet broke off causing this “injury”.
Does anyone know how much she weighs?
1.2 million? This is ridiculous.
I don’t understand the whole settlement bu I really don’t understand the “social club” comment………..”Ciocci had claimed that injuries from the fall at the Taj Mahal prevented her from avoiding more serious injuries during a second fall at a Reading, Pa., social club in 2006. She claims the second fall left her permanently disabled.”
Does this mean she was more careful when getting on the toilet?
Maybe this is the first time someone failed to get a straight flush and won big not in spite of it but because of it.
See, you can win big at the casinos.
Reminds me of the Utah Phillips routine where he says one of his ancestors, who was an electrician in Oklahoma, turned out to be a pioneer in the travel business. It was rural electrification time back then in the 30s, for Federal buildings and restrooms/outhouses, even those in the tribal territories. After a long build-up, Utah finally says: “Yup, he was the first person ever to wire a head for a reservation.”
Sounds like she tried to sue the social club … which was ruled that her injuries were sustained from an earlier fall (Taj), didn’t collect a dime, then the ambulance chaser went after Trump, who is obviously a Rosie O’Donnell Fan
I think this answers a lot of questions.
Although the Taj Mahal admitted liability in Ciocci’s first fall, it denied responsibility for the second one. The casino blamed her injuries in the second fall on her extreme weight. Court papers indicated Ciocci is only 5-foot-1, but weighs 320 pounds and has been using a wheelchair for several years.
Maybe she fell and cracked her knee…
…which could have made it hard for her to catch herself the second time she was falling? (it did not mention a toilet in the 2nd fall).
In the old days they used to tip over outhouses while they were in use — these may be a safer bet for this lady from now on
Can’t believe that a jury paid her that kind of money for falling off a toilet. Truth be known, she probably hurt herself trying to get up and besides, being only 5’1″ and falling from the toilet, how far did she fall, about six inches?
injured her left arm, which “resulted in pain, numbness, tingling in her left hand, moderate to severe left carpal tunnel syndrome and mild axonal neuropathy.” A year and a half later, Ciocci fell again, which, argued her attorney, “came about because of the significant physical disability in her left arm caused by the earlier bathroom fall,” the article continues
I’m not trying to be overly critical. There is no explanation in the article of why such large damages were considered appropriate. Where is the lack of compassion in that question? This is an insurance business forum.
OK, so I feel bad if the little porker “cracked a knee” (this is just a guess). But not for 1.2 million.
I wonder if toilets are bench tested?
So she’s 320 lbs, and makes a deposit of 80lbs, that’s 400 solid which creates a lot of stress for porcelain & 2 bolts.
I think I will sue her just for aggravating me.
Our justice system hard at work again I see. Next time an insured wonders why their premiums are so, high I’ll email them this article.
What a bunch of crap… literally and figuratively. She should has received $5K max on this settlement. Typical money grubbing *****.
Um, compassion does not belong in the insurance business. Go work for a non-profit or some touchy-feely job with retarded children if you want compassion. Insurance is about liars, scammers and fraud oh and scum sucking trial attornies.
Sorry but carpel tunnel syndrome does not happen because of an alleged “slip & fall”. Talk about an attorney who was a failed creative writing major at university. I guess liberl arts majors really do make the best trial attorneys. It is obvious to figure out that the majority of the “injuries” sustained by this morbidly obese woman was due to her own negligence and weight. I hope she uses the $$ for a gastic by-pass surgery.
Our unit has handled a couple of losses similar to this. For one of the claims, The toilet actually broke apart, causing the claimant to sustain lacerations that required about 50 stitches to repair the wounds. That claim was setttled for about 3% of this one.
She’s 74 years old, for goodness sake. Seriously doubt she would be a candidate for stomach by-pass surgery.
Target defendant + Desire to avoid adverse publicity = overpayment of a claim. I too have handled a few of these claims. The farthest distance from bowl to floor on a wall mount unit is 24″. I’ve never had a claimant whose weight is within a reasonable range (
Casino’s are prime targets for attorneys. Nobody likes casino’s and a review of decisions against them find them to be magnified. That being said, I am confident the manufacturer of the toilet, the general contractor and maintenance company are on notice and will be handling the financial consequences of this event. As far as the verdict…ridiculous. It reminds me of the Lt. Paula Coughlin vs. Hilton Hotel Corporation wherein Lt. Coughlin (Navy) claimed she was accosted by fellow Navy personnel but it was the Hilton Hotel security personnel’s fault. That verdict was $6.8M…it made me want to throw up.
So … one night after a night of hard drinking, I dozed a little on the toilet (like you’ve never done it!) First I saw a quick white flash, followed by an extreme close-up of an ant running on the floor. By next morning, I had an eye that looked like a softball. Turns out, the toilet seat was loose enough that could have caused the fall off the toilet, and the subsequent blood pattern on the tub from my face.
Sounds like I could have had the same deal (double vision, headaches, and a finger nail that won’t grow back correctly). Too bad the statue of limitations has lapsed. Speaking of which, 1.5 years later (well within your normal 2 year statue), let the games begin. Not to mention, if she really was in a wheelchair for years prior, and the fall caused carpel tunnel … wheelchair – carpel tunnel – I have a friend that would attest to the relationship there. Just the fact that the Lawyer tried that angle shows a stretch. As a matter of fact today, I SMASHED my kneecap on the corner of my desk just this morning, and it feels like it split in two (seriously). Looks like I can go after the manufacturer for making the corners too sharp, or the leather chair manufacturer that made the chair swivel so freely which caused the acceleration in the spin to smash into the desk, and the coffee chain that burned my tongue because their coffee is too hot.
You’re right, this is an insurance website. I say … Blame it on the Credit Card and Fast Food companies that have caused a “feeding frenzy” of liability suits. With America in so much debt and people hungry for a way out, not to mention the obesity issue, it seems we are now rewarding egg sucking dogs for the bad choices they make. Accidents happen, and those that have their hand out will have to answer to their Maker. So that $1.2 million could have been donated to the Jimmy Fund (of which Trump donates to along with other charities) to help raise the chances of survival for children and adults with cancer around the world.
Which one serves the greater good? And it was a settlement … meaning no jury. So yes, fire the person who approved the claim, because I have to believe no jury would have climbed that high of an award. UNLESS … where was something bigger that was not made public?
Here are some additional facts on this case. The exerpts are taken from statements made to the local media.
“The second fall occurred April 5, 2006, when Ciocci was at a social club in Reading. Pa. She was standing by her wheelchair when she lost her balance and was unable to brace herself because of her weakened left arm. She broke her left humerus, the bone that runs from the shoulder to the elbow, and required two operations for the injury, according to court documents.
Although the Taj Mahal admitted liability in Ciocci’s first fall, it denied responsibility for the second one. The casino blamed her injuries in the second fall on her extreme weight. Court papers indicated Ciocci is only 5-foot-1, but weighs 320 pounds and has been using a wheelchair for several years.
“The allegation that (Ciocci) would have been able to catch herself/brace herself if it were not for the alleged residual injuries from the incident which occurred at Trump Taj Mahal is even more far-fetched and in fact, damn near impossible … given (her) stature and complete lack of physical fitness,” the casino argued in court papers.”
This makes the settlement even more suspect. We have a wheelchair bound 74 year old behemoth who likes to hang out at casinos and social clubs. The plft. argument she would have been able to prevent her fall in the second incident is asburd. She would have snapped her arm off.
This is as bad as that young boy who had his boob reduction surgery paid for by insurance.
In this case I don’t think she deserved a $1.2 million settlement.
But some of your attitudes towards large people. Wow. It’s like fat people deserve to be hated by all of western society, even more so than child molesters.
I think it’s because size is an easy target. You can’t tell just by looking at most people whether or not there’s something about them which you can judge.
However, with fat people, you can instantly judge them because of their size, therefore it takes no effort on your part. You don’t have to invest any time in getting to know them first.
I’m sure some people would try to validate their bigotry by saying “Well, I hate fat people because they’re unhealthy and that makes problems for insurance carriers and that gives me a right to judge them or talk smack.” So are you then saying that you yourself are in perfect health and so are all of your friends and family? Or do you disown someone once you realize they have cancer or suddenly fall beneath your “health” standards?
There are people of all sizes with health problems (Karen Carpenter, Lance Armstrong, both thin, both have have, and one died from, serious health issues) and people of all sizes who sue and use the courts as a lottery.
Believe it or not, there are also big people who live remarkably normal lives with no health problems related to their size. They’re just bigger than average.
Attack the woman for whatever reasons you want, I guess. But in my opinion, attacking her because of her size is really cliche and tired. If you’re going to be hateful, at least be creative or funny. Gah.
Somewhere along the line this became not a forum for comments about the article but a forum for comments about obesity.
The settlement in and of itself was absurd but what went past absurdity was when the purported professionals took what was an interesting albeit strange and made it a forum for their personal feelings towards obesity. One or two jokes were expected but the joke is not the lady or her weight, the joke is on us as the professional who felt it necessary to pay that settlement due to the venue, facts, defendants’ standing in the community, etc. I don’t disagree with the position, I don’t have the facts. I can imagine a target defenant and poor venue creating a setting in which one might feel it necessary to make this type of settlement. I just don’t have the information available to make that call. Perhaps those of you who are making the jokes concerning obesity might look into yourselves and find that the obesity did not cause the settlement or the amount, the general populace who would act as jurors, the doctors and experts who would testify on her behalf, the Judge who might make the decisions to swing the case, the possible ineptness of defense counsel who may be the brother in law of an insurance professional, politic etc. You can’t tell me that these and other issues have not been faced by each professional that has made the jokes for their own entertainment.
All of us are in someway responsible for that settlement.
You must be proud of your “professional” status at this moment.
Eloquently spoken. You made your point by far better than I did.
Excellent post.
People have no shame when it comes to making potty claims. I remember once I worked for a large commercial transportation company and we had a lady who actually sued us because she was trying to urinate in a sink attached to the wall of the bathroom and the sink was not strong enough to support her tremendous weight and she collapsed the sink, part of the wall, the plumbing fixtures and piping. Unbelieveable.
I would have to agree with you there KLS. I know a lot of the posts were supposed to be humerous, but as a former fat person, I don’t see the humor. I recall that people looked at me as less than human when I was a “fatty”. It’s one of the last perfectly acceptable social predudices.
gosh, do you and KLS want some cheese (low fat) with your whine?
Quite honestly if this woman was not so morbidly obese the toilet may have stood up to her pressure.
No whining here. Just like you, I’m only voicing what’s on my mind.
Belittling what I have to say doesn’t make your point more valid.
Making fun of/hating/judging fat people doesn’t make the name-caller or the fat person thinner/healthier. Therefore, why do it?
Anyone dare or care to shed a little light what they feel they accomplish by being hateful?
I’m actually very curious. It’s kind of embarrassing to admit this, but mob behavior and bullies fascinate me.
LOL Funny, I know, but it’s true. I read the IJ not just because I’m in the biz, but also because these comment posts are often (even if by accident) amusing and thought provoking.
You can have a room full of anonymous professionals, you add just one or two bullies to the mix and next thing you know, it’s a lynch mob. I know I’m not the only person who thinks this is an interesting phenomenon.
Is it BECAUSE of the anonymous nature of these comment posts that people say hateful things; or would these people actually say these things in mixed company?
Considering some of them are producers and adjusters working directly with the public, I’m seriously wondering if they would discriminate against an insured or claimant for being large. If so, that’s a problem. Regardless of their personal opinions about fat, they owe it to their profession to treat everyone equally.
Anyway, go ahead and call me a whiner. You’re not going to get anything good from it and it doesn’t change my opinion one way or the other. =)
Hey KLS…I used to weigh more than 450 pounds…BELIEVE ME THEY’D SAY IT RIGHT TO YOUR FACE.
Somehow, when you’re fat it’s EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS (from well-meaning loved one’s to total and complete strangers to anonymous posters). Before I lost the weight and stopped being everyone’s business I used to always say well you’re stupid but you don’t see me suggesting you go back to kindergarten do you?
I don’t know WHY that is, only that it IS.
Gee Johnny, do you always speak like a total ***? I don’t know what happened to cause this woman’s accident and I certainly don’t think it’s worth that amount of money. I am speaking towards people like you who feel that it’s ok to treat overweight people like they are less than human. If they are overweight its because they are weak and stupid, right? You are a total idiot.
You could say she had a Royal Flush.
You’ve won the dumb a** award for the dumbest post I’ve ever read.
keep up the good work you nit wit!
To say people have gone off on a tangent here is putting it mildly.
As for this claim which has solicited many responses, good or bad, clearly an excessive settlement – Plaintiff counsel should be commended and/or the party with the purse strings should be immediately shown the door.
I totally, totally agree with KLS. I’m obese by most standards but am perfectly healthy, I exercise regularly, don’t drink, don’t smoke. For all the skinny folks apparently posting here –I’ll still be here living long after you because you worry too much about who shouldn’t have gotten what and joking about other people’s weight and being prejudiced. I met a 110 pound women the other day at a health fair who had an LDL of 337. Mine was 117 and I’m over 180 pounds. Yeah maybe this plaintiff will go and treat herself to gastric by pass but either way she’s still considered a screw up by the rest of you.
One thing the insurance journal postings have opened my eyes up to is the fact that people will let you know where they come from and I have to say I respect that. But be that as it may, I feel sorry if your wives, husbands or kids get too fat since you apparently have no respect for complete strangers. Shoot, we all know how Trump feels about fat people after the Rosie incident. She’s sloppy but at least I look good in whatever I put on, that’s why I didn’t take too much offense.
Over a million is alot of money, yes, for such an awful accident but if you’re taking toilers off of walls and such then someone’s not installing these things right. I bet she’s didn’t break the stairs at home or like the Incredible Hulk put holes in the concrete with every step she took.
Also, if obese women are so disgusting to you then stop ogling our breasts!
Babies!
Oh you know someone had to post it!
Just kidding about Bush, I would have to say that Al Gore was the culprit here but he didn’t do it alone, as he enlisted Hillary Clinton to set it all up behind the scenes. She thought Bill might have been involved, but then realized it was flushed water, not white water… but I bet if he could have he would have gotten a piece of that action! THE MONEY People!
Have a Happy Day!
Smile at a skinny person & hug a fatty because they give really good hugs!
BTW – 1.2M is a good deal for a chunky little old lady & for all you old fellas out there thinking about retirement, Casinos & Socials are not so bad & she needs a wheelchair pusher, so if you are in good health you might check & see if she is already taken! Hehehehe
Happy Day said fat people are fun to hug. This is true! Thin people give nice hugs, too… but there’s something very comforting about a hug from a soft, cuddly friend.
Fat people are usually not cold.
Fat women are never mistaken for teenage boys.
Fat women almost always have great boobs. Yay!
Fat people are typically not in a hunger-induced crappy mood.
The best thing about being fat… I never worry I’ll be kidnapped. HA!
Those of us who know better can laugh to ourselves because life is good. And those who want to maintain their prejudice, well that’s a bummer for you, huh?
Well I’m overweight by about 50 pounds and I have to say I agree with Johnny, to those of you who think he was a complete jerk. It’s true, if she wasn’t so heavy the toilet would not have broken so it’s her own fault. Especially being so old, no doubt her doctors have told her to lose weight for her own health, which she clearly ignored, so I feel no sympathy toward her at all. The hefer didn’t deserve a penny.
How many parties posting on here would deem themselves to be claim professionals?
I think everyone has an assumption, and rightfully so, that when they sit down in a restroom stall, a toilet will not break away from the wall or fracture at the base. Not sure who has the ultimate exposure here. But, to point at the claimant and blame her for this loss due to her size would be suicide in terms of a defense. She deserved something, just don’t know how much.
Anyone who thinks differently hasn’t spent enough time in the trenches.
Obviously you have all the facts at hand to evaluate the claim considering the comments you made……..so were you the adjuster that paid the outrageous settlement, or are you just second guessing whoever did and had all the facts to evaluate the claim.
20/20 hindsight is a wonderful thing and everyone has it but it gets you in more trouble than you can imagine. The ECO exposure alone is enough to confound you!!!
When are people going to start taking responsibility for themselves? I guess if toilet companies started putting weight limits on toilets there will be no chance of this happening again. If I was so heavy I broke a toilet I would be embarrassed, I certainly wouldn’t broadcast it to the world by suing and thus pointing out that I am severely overweight. The whole thing is ridiculous. Greed has become a staple of American society.
Phat girl,
Just like you will meet smokers in their 80’s, and we all know health conscious / active people who died in their 30’s, there are always exceptions to the rule. But if I had my way, I would rather be average weight and not overweight.
And just out of curiosity, how can you be obese yet perfectly healthy???
This shall be my last post regarding this issue. I did not adjudicate this claim, nor do I have all the facts. However, I do know that toilets should not break or fall apart once sat upon.
Our unit has has handled two such losses within the last year and yes, liability was accepted and both of these claims were paid, with one being a much more substantial settlement than the other. The mere fact that this happened almost certainly would allow the injured party to recover and/or prevail at trial. I can’t understand, though, how the settlement reached seven figures.
It was just a crappy deal for the insurance carrier so now you need not wonder anymore how it got to seven figures.
N.I. — never said that and you shouldn’t twist the words of other people or amke up lies to make yourself feel better. If speaking the truth makes me a total *** then so be it as I would rather be an honest person than a liar.
Johnny, you don’t know what truth is. Your version of truth is your limited view of people who don’t fit your ideal. A fatty doesn’t fit that ideal so they are an easy target. I don’t see where this person deserves the lottery payout either, but fat jokes are just a reflection on the inadequate intellect of the joker. As I told someone recently, I have known a lot of people and you aren’t one. (Marx Brothers quote, I think) Oh, and you still are an a*&.
What an asinine question!
There are plenty of people that are exceptions to the rule and fortunately I am one of them. It doesn’t mean I don’t want my cheerleader figure back either. I just work at it everyday. I get my numbers check every six months and so on. You could get hit by a bus tomorrow and then where would your average weight get you – in the morgue.
It’s like this comedian Mo’Nique says, “Skinny b******* are evil”.
You know not so long ago we used to have claim committee meetings at a former employer to present cases that were interesting or had large exposure or you just wanted a sounding board. Their intent was to be educational, supportive and allow the file handler another viewpoint maybe more than one on how to direct the case. What it became was an execution.
The VP of claims not too bright would grill everyone about each claim to educate himself and obviously the more questions you ask the more you found missing from the facts or from the memory of the person presenting the case. If that person were the nervous type the memory got worse. We had one like that and as much as we tried to tell her to answer only what was asked she persisted in continuing to explain something that could not be explained.
Finally a couple of coworkers and myself sat down with her and told her why she always left these meetings crying and from now on look at us when she spoke and if we found she was talking past the point of no return we would give her a signal, something like slapping our forehead to cause her to end her diatribe without further embarrassment to herself and to the ones that had to witness it.
Surely Johnny must now have a headache from all of the people that gave up hitting their own forehead and started hitting his forehead. May I offer some tylenol.
I’m pretty sure the time is way overdue for this committee to be adjourned.
With this award amount I will go a play the toilets as it seems the payout is larger.
Again, you can’t be obese and at the same time considered “perfectly healthy”. If you doctor is telling you this, perhaps it is time get a new doctor. Oh, maybe you have that exception to the rule doctor who says being obese means you are healthy.
Speaking of assine comments. Fat or skinny, either way, getting hit by a bus is gonna land you in a morgue.
And I love the contradiction! Leave the poor fat people alone, but them skinny b****** are evil!
You go Chunky Monkey! I love your post & you are dead on with the cuddly, teenage boys, boobs, hunger induced crappy moods & kidnapping possibilities, as well as it being a bummer for those that remain prejudiced, because life is good!
Oh, some skinny B’s are evil but some are as sweet as can be. There is good & evil in everyone, it is knowing which side you want to allow to come through for yourself that makes you who you eventually become.
If you see that you are not a good person & you find that you have few friends, you might want to rethink the way you treat others, because its not how you perceive them, but how they perceive you in the long run, that will determine if they are a friend, an enemy or just an acquaintance.
I wish everyone a Happy Day!
I don’t know about you, Simmons, but I’m reading out of morbid curiosity at this point.
For what it’s worth, I do believe people in ANY situation can be happy. Probably harder for some than others. Happy doesn’t just fall in your lap. Gotta work for it, but heck yes it’s possible for a fat person to be happy.
You don’t have to be perfect to be happy, Fed Up. I’m sure you realize that, but I would like for you to put it in the context of size. Come on now, think about that for a second…
Smokers aren’t in fine fantastic health, but I know some of them are certainly happy. George Burns smoked like a chimney and he was a happy, dirty old man when he died.
My goofy arse would qualify as fat in most cultures and I’m happy as a clam 99% of the time. It’s a matter of choice.
Get up in the AM and make a conscious decision… are you going to be a grumpy turd all day or are you going to slap on a smile, be thankful for the great things in your life and skip on in to work spreading good vibes in the process?
Grumpy turd is a tempting option, don’t get me wrong. Takes no effort, keeps annoying co-workers away. However, the giver of good vibes has to work a little harder at times, but that person often gets good vibes in return and it starts a pretty cool cycle of exchanging positive energy among the people with whom you spend the day.
You know folks, all in all, we’re probably all pretty neat people. I bet if we all got together for a few beers, we’d find a reason or two to laugh. Yeah, some of ya have WILDLY different perspectives, but you wouldn’t smack each other around would you? Seriously? No way! What would you prove by doing that? Tis a far far better thing to have beers and put it behind you, right? Right.
Now get back to work! Heh heh heh!
Thanks Happy Day, you have made my day.
Once I look like a Dallas Cheerleader again or at least a well paid stripper, I hope I get to keep my DD funbags then it wouldn’t be a happy day for anyone.
you are ridiculous and I wish you would stop speaking on behalf of overweight people. you are ridiculous with you’re “i’m super fat, but super healthy.” and if you are so comfortable with who you are, why are you desperate to become thin?
Please stop. you are the reason women will never rule the world.
Thanks, 2nd phat girl! Tall, short, fat, skinny, black, white… whatever. Be comfortable with who you are, but don’t claim to be something you aren’t.
Did I ever claim to speak on behalf of all overweight people? Am I missing something here? You people need some anger management classes in the worst way! There are alot of people who claim to be something they’re not and either of you can’t claim to be decent. I know what I know thank you very much.
Massah Simmons you need to get off this post anyway.
1 Phat Girl to another,
Kiss my chocolate globes and somewhere else too!
LOSERS!!!
I can’t claim to be decent because I called you out when you said you are both obese and healthy? I’m willing to be the medical industry would support me on that, so I guess they aren’t decent as well.
Chocolate globes? Massah Simmons? You need to get together with African Pride. You each have a major chip on your shoulders. Don’t know what race has to do with this as ANYONE can be obese (but not health at the same time), but as long as you are comfortable throwing that out there, I’m happy for you.
Y/W Phat Girl & You Go Girl too! Be happy with who you are because no one else can make you something you are not already in the first place. Never count on anyone else to make you happy, as it’s your own decision & only you have control over those!
As far as the other posters that are venting anger, perhaps they are not who they want to be & you know… some people are just not happy unless they are bent.
Some people never truly face their self for who they are because they live in this fantasy world in their mind where they put their self on a pedestal & anytime anyone else can closely compare they take the offensive & jump up to push someone else down… those people exist & we all know who they are, but sometimes they haven’t a clue & some live & die never knowing that if they would just accept their self for the wonderful creation they are that so much more in this life would be revealed & that they too can be happy in whatever situation they encounter.
Happiness is a decision you make every day over & over, so choose to make the best of your day before it’s done!
God Bless!
What are you, Mr. Rogers? No need to preach, that’s great that you’re fat and happy but this post was set up to discuss TOILETS. Let it go.
See what I mean no matter how many times you give a signal there are those that will ignore it and continue to explain even when it has nothing to do with the topic.
Actually I am Ms. Rogers…. & FYI… the article was about the toilet but the post stream led into what you are reading now. If you have a problem with the posts, you can stop reading them, or stick your head in the toilet, or pull it from the place it’s already stuck & maybe you can get over yourself… or not!
Who cares? Not me….
Happy Day!
Oh please, any fat person who claims to be happy is full of crap. They tell themselves they’re happy as they’re stuffing the twinkies in so they don’t have to see how fat and miserable they really are and then do something about it. You would probably break the toilet too.
If fat people were happy with who they are, we wouldn’t have a billion dollar diet industry, now would we?
Fed Up… I can see why you call yourself that, since you obviously do not, & most likely, have never experienced happiness first hand. Based on your comments you truly are not aware of anything except maybe your own discontent that you try pushing off on others.
Glad you decided to try your BS on me, as it really doesn’t matter what you think or say & clearly you are giving another person a break by doing so, but you are the one full of crap here, believe it or not.
You really may not have a clue, but just because I am about 30 lbs overweight, doesn’t mean that I am not happy or that I am shoving twinkies, or being miserable… but Fed Up, that is exactly how you are portraying yourself to all the readers of this string… you are a very unhappy person & in so being have a problem with anyone around you being happy so you try to run your head to bring them down but it’s all good because your head means nothing to me…. lalalalalala
As far as breaking toilets, haven’t broken one yet, but if I do I hope that I do it in Vegas!!!!!
That industry exists for those that want to try to change others or that have never learned to accept themselves.
Not because fat people are not happy, but because other people choose to judge them & some do succeed in making some people miserable in the process.
Clearly you do care or your post wouldn’t be so long. Keep trying to convince yourself sweetie.
It must be a sad life in your head!
To bad you just don’t get it!
Oh well, be bent….
I just wanted to say how proud I am of everyone! This was a dead issue when I tried (successfully!) to reincarnate it, and now look at us! We are arguing about this in a completely stupid manner!!!
Brings a tear to my eye that so many people care about this issue! And you do, or else you wouldn’t continue to read the posts.
Thanks, Happy Day!
You are wise! Please keep posting.
Thanks for the great comments Chunky Monkey, Phat Girl & Happy Day. I am about 40 pounds overweight, and would like to take it off. That being said, I am healthy. I exercise, have low blood pressure, good cholesterol. Yes, my doctor would like me to drop the pounds before they do cause damage up the road, but at this point I am healthy. And guess what, I am happy! I choose to live every day to the fullest that I can instead of looking back in 20 years asking myself “Why didn’t I do that?” Live for today, enjoy that Twinkie if you’re going to eat it, and love yourself for who you are!
Can we get an Amen?
God bless ya’ll, all ya’ll are a creation of the most high God & He loves each of you for who you are!
Be blessed on this Friday & carry it with you throughout the rest of your life!
Pray for our troops (of every size, race, & religion) that they are protected & will come home to us all sometime very soon!
May the rest of the day be the best of your day!
Love Yourself!
Happy Day!
P.S. The beers sound really good too!!!
After all, He gave us life that we might enjoy all things! SO ENJOY YOUR LIFE TOO!
Oh for heaven’s sake, can you get the group hug over with and go on with your day? Why don’t you swap emails and become pen pals, those of us with an interest in this site for work purposes don’t need to hear the mushy garbage between the two of you.
Well, if it will make you HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!
LOL – just kidding – I really don’t think anything would make you a happy person, thats gonna take a lot of waork on your part & from what we have read here I’m just not sure you have it in ya!
Good Luck with that though!
Hey Fed Up…I don’t see you attacking other posters on this site for their comments that are not directly related to the article. Hmmm…I don’t think I was the one that began the diatribe on weight issues, but I am one that posted my opinion on the narrow-minded folks that think all overweight people are worthless.
As for the article. It appears there are some facts missing. The defendant admitted liability for the toilet incident…why? Did they have prior notice of a defect with the type of toilet in question? Was there a weight restriction that the facility failed to notify the guests of? Those are the questions I have.
I agree with all posters who stated the woman did not deserve $1.2 million…BUT not because she was overweight/obese. It was just too much money for this claim!
Try to have a nice day Mr. Still Fed Up.
I asked similar questions with the first post on this article and haven’t yet seen anything actually explaining this case. Maybe we should all get back to the insurance purpose of this site.
Well i would rather be a smart@*** than a dumb@ss like you N.I. Never made a fat joke nor did i make fun of fat people. GO BACK AND READ MY POSTS and then try to point out where i did. Oh that’s right, I DIDN’T. Learn to read and comprehend.
I’m bringing up the rear with my comments what a crock of crap. $1.2mill for a toilet breaking and falling on your bum, she must have been pissed. I guess the trauma one will have in not being able to look at another commode or sit on it the same way is very scarring to an individaul. She must have been very flushed during the trial and jury had sympathy for her. It seems that her attorney wasn’t a waste. This case was perfect for trial attorneys since they getting into the sewer.
$1.2mill, boy are things out of control in the U.S. It’s very sad to see where our culture going, everyone is a victim and somebody must always pay.
Jeez, those must not have been little black marshmallows in your Count Chocula this morning… You sound like you are full of it! Hope you get it all out so you don’t get in a bad mood or anything!
I wonder if all the hate sites were down this morning so you had to post here. If the Insurance Journal has to remove any posts, yours would be a prime candidate.
Wow, I hope anz wasn’t directing it to me. I’m an overweight guy and just upset about the settlements. really don’t care if the woman was skinny or fat. It’s a stupid lawsuit.
I guess we will read about anz in the journal sometime for going postal at his insurance agency or company.
I would agree tom. Sounds like somebody needs a little anger management training out there. Then again, there is a lot of this in the postings in this and other sites. I suppose it’s more beneficial if they would just post their hate rather than actually taking up arms.
Typical??? the only thing typical is the ignorance shown by all of these comments. I mean, hey, you have no idea what her injuries were, or what her medical records say, but you automatically assume she should receive “5k max”…..I would ask how you came up with that, but I don’t really care. The unprofessional attitudes show on this site are enough to tell me to be damn glad I don’t have to deal with you on an everday basis.
Ok… read the first sentence of the article: “The Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort has reached a $1.2 million settlement…” So it was the attorneys’ doings, not the courts. (Damn lawyers… it’s always their fault!)
And I’m pretty sure that no insurance company was affected (or harmed) by this settlement. If anything, this falls within Trump’s SIR/SFR (Self-Insured/Self-Funded Retention for you laypersons and other dumb***es).
Ohhh and I too am above the recommended weight charts/table for my height and I am perfectly happy and healthy. In fact, my family tree has a history of “large” and aside from the unexpected, accidental death; nearly all have lived into their 80’s or 90’s. While I’m not morbidly obese, I like my curves. In fact, one of my favorite grandmothers lived to 94 on a diet of Little Debbie’s snack cakes and a dozen eggs every week. So stick that into your slim fast and drink it.
I read this article and see a greedy old lady who happens to be overweight and is clearly not afraid of claiming lawsuits. I can’t help but wonder if she sets these things up on purpose. She obviously spends a lot of time gambling which is where the money will go, and does not hesitate to file a lawsuit at each place she goes. Whether weight is the issue or not, if I broke my hotel room’s toilet I would be offering to pay for the damage, not suing, because I would be completely mortified if I broke that toilet. She clearly has no qualms about suing anyone and everyone. She feasibly could have gotten her medical bills covered but this amount of money is not justified.
Why is it that Greed is the only other smart person on this site and actually “gets” this loss. Some people are so tied up in their PC blinders that they can not see the “big” picture (pardon the pun).
If you read some of the earlier posts (and are willing to weed through most of the others), you will see that this point has been made by several posters. It’s just that no one (including you as well as myself for making this comment) aren’t willing to let the issue die.
Everyone wants to be the hero.
Thanks Johnny, I’m sure others have made the same point but it’s hard to tell when everyone feels the need to tell about their personal weight issues and how happy they are being overweight. There are people in the world who take responsibility for their actions (i.e. I would offer to pay the damage) and other people whose first inclination is to blame someone else. I’m proud to say I’m in the first category.
I’m a little confused… about what are you referring?
Liberal democrat? That wasn’t directed at me, right?
I get it now. You can’t be serious! You’re frickin hilarious!!! =) Very cute. I dig the sarcasm.
LOL You’re wacky! That came out of no where. … Yeah, that was weird, ME. But pretty funny…
Yeah KLS it was meant to be sarcasticly funny in hopes of bring a smile to the face that was so disgruntled, but I am really glad to know you enjoyed it!
I think it was directed at a post that has since been removed, or I could be mistaken.
Either way it’s all good & don’t eat the dark colored marshmallows out of the big bowl!
This is so funny, you all agree that she was paid too much money, as do I….but you somehow find a way to fight about fat people. Sounds like you are all just hiding behind a computer and never have any face to face confrontation so you take it out on each other via the internet. Get a freaking life and grow up. Its real easy to talk big and make fun of people when no one has a clue who you are.
This is so funny, GOOD TO LAUGH!!!
you all agree that she was paid too much money, as do I…. YEAH THAT’S BEEN SAID NUMEROUS TIMES – YOU ARE VERY OBSERVANT!
but you somehow find a way to fight about fat people. NO FIGHTING – JUST OPINIONS BEING EXPRESSED & I BELIEVE WE ARE STILL IN AMERICA & HAVE THE RIGHT TO DO JUST THAT IF WE SO CHOOSE – KINDA LIKE YOUR OPIONON BEING POSTED TOO…..
Sounds like you are all just hiding (NOT SURE ABOUT YOU BUT I AM WORKING – WELL I WAS) behind a computer and never have any face to face confrontation (I LIKE FACE TO FACE) so you take it out on each other via the internet. AND YOU ARE DOING WHAT???
Get a freaking life and grow up. DO YOU TAKE YOUR OWN ADVICE TOO???
Its real easy to talk big and make fun of people when no one has a clue who you are.
I KNOW WHO I AM!!!!!!!!!!!! I AM NOT MAKING FUN OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE NO CLUE!!!
I guess you just needed to say your piece too huh? Hope this helps!