Appeal in Laura Small Case Opposed
After reading your excellent coverage of the negligence suit brought against Orange County by Laura Small and her parents, a couple of things are abundantly clear.
First, while the county is not responsible for the acts of a wild animal, it is responsible for its own actions. After a deliberation which was described as “not based on sentiment,” the jury’s decision was unanimous. The county was negligent.
Second, the amount of money that the 12 taxpayers on the jury awarded Laura Small begins to pale in comparison with the salaries of the county lawyers and officials over the five years it took to bring this case to trial. What has this has already cost the county? Now add to that the cost of years of protracted appeals.
Since a very large amount of money would eventually be spent in either case, I personally would rather see the money go to the child.
If you’re listening, Orange County, this taxpayer joins the 12 taxpayers on Laura’s jury. Pay the child and stop wasting our money.
THERESA J. SLOAN
Costa Mesa
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