Dead Men Win No Lawsuits

Why ambulance-chasing attorneys won't go near your grandpa's demise

by Maria Luisa Tucker
November 6th, 2007 7:43 PM

When sculptor Richard Lippold died in 2002, he left behind a breathtaking body of work, including huge wire-and-metal installations at the MetLife Building, Lincoln Center, the Four Seasons, and other venues around the world. He also left behind three children, a wife, and one angry boyfriend, who is now accusing a Long Island hospital of murdering the 87-year-old artist.

"They kill an old person and they don't care, because they know no one will take the case," says Augusto Gianni Morselli, Lippold's companion of 28 years. "If they can cause the death of this great human being, just imagine what they could do to you so-called normal people."


Jeff Korek, president of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, calls the state law—unchanged since its passage in 1847—"archaic." (my emphasis) The association has been trying to change the law for at least 17 years, but proposed legislation that would allow families to sue for emotional loss continues to get ignored. Trade associations like the Medical Society of New York have argued for years that the change could raise insurance premiums and cost hospitals millions of dollars.

Abridged Article SOURCE
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The legal system, in every country around the world, have “archaic” laws that should be changed in order to protect the rights of citizens in our modern times. So, why is that not seen to? Some may even argue: “The man/woman is old. At the ripe old age of 89 (or, whatever) what do you expect?” As one of my critics said, “Give it a rest!” Sure, in elder abuse cases that resulted in death - the victims, often were pushed into permanent rest, often before their time. For those elder abuse victims who survived and "rescued" from their abusive situation; do they really get a rest from the damages done to their mental and emotional health. Not likely!

For those of us who are “fighting”for Elder Rights and Elder Abuse Prevention, often witness first-hand, how the law can do more harm than good for its citizens. Snail-pace legal system can actually hasten the demise of the elderly. The unimaginable stress of legal proceedings on the older persons; while the tug-of-war goes on between family members and guardians, for instance. We need all the help we can get. Get involved in our quest to make our society safer, more equitable and happier for our vulnerable elders.