A woman from Manhattan who sued her nephew for accidentally breaking her wrist in an extra-enthusiastic hug has broken her silence on the issue.
Fifty-four-year old Jennifer Connell filed a lawsuit against little Sean Tarala, who was only 8 years old when the unfortunate incident took place. The suit was filed two years later in 2013 and claimed $127,000 in damages.
CT aunt trashed online for suing her 12-year-old nephew is just following insurance law: http://t.co/HjafD9fdeM pic.twitter.com/P9QQ6UWBkV
— Talking Points Memo (@TPM) October 14, 2015
After being on the receiving end of massive backlash from people, especially through social media, Connell has finally broken her silence and explained the seemingly unfathomable act of suing a young family member for an accidental act of affection.
The law firm of Jainchill & Beckert who represents Connell, spoke on her behalf, claiming that their client was left with no choice as her insurance company was only willing to pay $1 of her medical expenses brought about by the accident.
Their statement further said, “From the start, this was a case was about one thing: getting medical bills paid by homeowner’s insurance. Our client was very reluctant to pursue this case, but in the end she had no choice… “
A woman is suing her nephew over injuries she says he caused her at his 8th birthday party: http://t.co/WQ3eC7DIxL pic.twitter.com/5GoHkqoaeQ — Heavy.com (@HeavySan) October 13, 2015
The incident, which happened on Sean Tarala’s 8th birthday, involved Connell catching her nephew in her arms after he suddenly hugged her for giving him a new bicycle as a present. Connell testified, “I remember him shouting, ‘Aunty Jen, I love you,’ and there he was flying at me.”
A six-member Connecticut jury took merely 25 minutes to decide in favor of the nephew. Michael Tarala, the nephew’s father, was also present at the hearing. Sean’s mother could not make it as she passed away last year.
Aunt loses $127,000 suit against 8-year-old nephew who jumped into her arms http://t.co/CoL8w8WkXY pic.twitter.com/nCWjngVNpu
— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 13, 2015
Jennifer Connell peacefully left the Main Street courthouse and was escorted by judicial marshals upon her request. Her lawyers appealed to her detractors to give their client a little more sympathy as she is said to be facing more surgeries without any help from her insurance company.