OT...Court's done, now I can share...
Good morning everyone!
After about 2 hours of deliberations last night, court is done. What a great experience it was to me! I was juror #1...and get this, I was also the juryperson (used to be called in TV shows anyway, the jury foreman). Without getting into alot of specifics (and bore you all to death), an elderly woman tripped on an object in a lobby of a Vet clinic and broke her hip (and 8 months later also had to have the other hip replaced). We had to decide what % she & the store were each at fault, and how much money the injury(s) were worth for pain & suffering (so also had to decide which injuries we believed to be due to the fall, and which to just getting up in age).
After we submitted our findings of liability (store owner 65% at fault....afterall, the woman should have also been more aware of her surroundings) and the $$ awarded ($112,125 for the one broken hip, nothing for the 2nd hip that we believed there was plenty of evidence to show that she had issues with it long before the fall), the judge invited us into his office. That was pretty cool. He wanted to know our insights and answer any questions we may have had. On why the attorneys didn't show us specific things that we wanted to see, we were deferred to the attorneys to ask. He gave us a nice little certificate as well.
Afterwards, some of us hung around and talked with the defence attorneys and the plantiff's paralegal. The defence admitted that she wanted me as a juror because durring questioning I told them that we use to own a bar so she thought that as a small business owner, I'd be more sympathetic toward the store owner. WRONG. Even after the woman fell, he never did move the thing that made her fall! I let her know I thought that was very arogant and irresponsible of the owner. I also reminded her that my spouse is visually handicapped and that I could very well imagine him tripping over the same object WHILE trying to be aware of where his feet are...so would that mean that should my husband have a pet and it got sick that he should have known not to take it to that particular vet? Needless to say, she & I talked quite abit..lol But so did the paralegal and I, I guess. All the jurors thought her boss, the lead attorney, was a real jerk. If I were hurt and wanted to someone to represent me, I would not want him because I'd be afraid the jury would penalize me for his rude behaviour! When the plantiff's side would speak, the defence would be quite, attentive, and take notes. When it was her turn though? That man was so rude and would make snide comments and gestures for all to see & hear. Very unprofessional...and I did not mind saying so! Me & one other juror stayed the longest and we were both very honest and frank about what we thought of the procedings.
Now to get ready for my court date with Cindy! I guess I should thank her for having it continued...lol. After this week, I honestly don't think I will be near as intimidated as I was a few weeks ago.
Hmmmmm...now to figure out what the heck I'm bringing tomorrow! I have not even cracked open a cookbook!
Sherri
After about 2 hours of deliberations last night, court is done. What a great experience it was to me! I was juror #1...and get this, I was also the juryperson (used to be called in TV shows anyway, the jury foreman). Without getting into alot of specifics (and bore you all to death), an elderly woman tripped on an object in a lobby of a Vet clinic and broke her hip (and 8 months later also had to have the other hip replaced). We had to decide what % she & the store were each at fault, and how much money the injury(s) were worth for pain & suffering (so also had to decide which injuries we believed to be due to the fall, and which to just getting up in age).
After we submitted our findings of liability (store owner 65% at fault....afterall, the woman should have also been more aware of her surroundings) and the $$ awarded ($112,125 for the one broken hip, nothing for the 2nd hip that we believed there was plenty of evidence to show that she had issues with it long before the fall), the judge invited us into his office. That was pretty cool. He wanted to know our insights and answer any questions we may have had. On why the attorneys didn't show us specific things that we wanted to see, we were deferred to the attorneys to ask. He gave us a nice little certificate as well.
Afterwards, some of us hung around and talked with the defence attorneys and the plantiff's paralegal. The defence admitted that she wanted me as a juror because durring questioning I told them that we use to own a bar so she thought that as a small business owner, I'd be more sympathetic toward the store owner. WRONG. Even after the woman fell, he never did move the thing that made her fall! I let her know I thought that was very arogant and irresponsible of the owner. I also reminded her that my spouse is visually handicapped and that I could very well imagine him tripping over the same object WHILE trying to be aware of where his feet are...so would that mean that should my husband have a pet and it got sick that he should have known not to take it to that particular vet? Needless to say, she & I talked quite abit..lol But so did the paralegal and I, I guess. All the jurors thought her boss, the lead attorney, was a real jerk. If I were hurt and wanted to someone to represent me, I would not want him because I'd be afraid the jury would penalize me for his rude behaviour! When the plantiff's side would speak, the defence would be quite, attentive, and take notes. When it was her turn though? That man was so rude and would make snide comments and gestures for all to see & hear. Very unprofessional...and I did not mind saying so! Me & one other juror stayed the longest and we were both very honest and frank about what we thought of the procedings.
Now to get ready for my court date with Cindy! I guess I should thank her for having it continued...lol. After this week, I honestly don't think I will be near as intimidated as I was a few weeks ago.
Hmmmmm...now to figure out what the heck I'm bringing tomorrow! I have not even cracked open a cookbook!
Sherri 
Wow, sound like a very interesting day. You'll feel right at home in the court room for your next visit. When did the date get continued to. I must have missed that, I thought it was supposed to be today. Have confidence in yourself, you know you are in the right. You are olny asking for what is rightfully yours. See ya tomorrow! I won't be getting to creative, just a bowl of fruit and yougurt dip.
Sherri,
WOW~what an eye-opening experience for you!! 
I agree with you, keep those aisles clear! We both know that as business owners, you got to be careful & respectful of your customers needs. You did a great job of it & now will be able to handle your court proceedings with this experience to guide you.
I just know that the judge will see you are a sincere person who just wanted to help, by got used instead. 
You know I'm in your corner rooting for you!
See you tomorrow at the Exchange!
(((hugs)))
Ellen
I agree with you, keep those aisles clear! We both know that as business owners, you got to be careful & respectful of your customers needs. You did a great job of it & now will be able to handle your court proceedings with this experience to guide you. I just know that the judge will see you are a sincere person who just wanted to help, by got used instead. You know I'm in your corner rooting for you!
See you tomorrow at the Exchange!
(((hugs)))
Ellen 
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