Last year, a tragic accident took the life of an 11-year old girl. While her family was visiting the ice caves on the Mount Baker National Forest, the girl was struck by a large piece of ice, and due to the remote nature of the area, she died from the injury.
Her family, looking to blame someone for this accident, is suing the federal government for wrongful death. Their opinion is that the forest service failed to post sufficient signage to warn people of the possible dangers of falling ice. They further state that the ease of the trail to the ice caves gives you a false sense of security.
Sigh.
I can't imagine the pain this family has gone through. I can imagine dad or mom planned a little day trip...let's head up to the ice caves for a little hike...it will be something nice to do on a beautiful July day. You think you are making plans to give your child a nice experience, and due to a piece of falling ice, all of the sudden your plan lead to your child's death.
It's a horrible, horrible thing.
I just don't think it's the kind of thing you sue the US Government for.
Let's be realistic...even if there were signs every 20 feet warning of the potential dangers of falling ice, it's not going to change what you do on a family outing. I know when we went to Palouse Falls, there are signs that warn you not to go too close to the edge. I still let my kids go put their hands on the fence.
I have to think that this is the same type of situation. Signs would not have changed anything...this little girl would probably still have ended up standing at the same place at the same time, and it would have had the same horrible result.
If it makes them feel better....if it gives them some closure...then by all means, go forward with the trial. But, don't give their jackal, sue happy lawyers a single shekel.
No comments:
Post a Comment