AP- Katrina victim sues U.S. for $3 quadrillion

[okstate5968]

Katrina victim sues U.S. for $3 quadrillion
Federal government hit with 489,000 damage claims after hurricane
The Associated Press
updated 11:40 a.m. CT, Wed., Jan. 9, 2008

NEW ORLEANS - Hurricane Katrina's victims have put a price tag on their suffering and it is staggering — including one plaintiff seeking the unlikely sum of $3 quadrillion.

The total number — $3,014,170,389,176,410 — is the dollar figure so far sought from some 489,000 claims filed against the federal government over damage from the failure of levees and flood walls following the Aug. 29, 2005, hurricane.

Of the total number of claims, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said it has received 247 for at least $1 billion apiece, including the one for $3 quadrillion.

"That's the mother of all high numbers," said Loren Scott, a Baton Rouge-based economist.

For the sake of perspective: A mere $1 quadrillion would dwarf the U.S. gross domestic product, which Scott said was $13.2 trillion in 2007. A stack of one quadrillion pennies would reach Saturn.

Some residents may have grossly exaggerated their claims to send a message to the corps, which has accepted blame for poorly designing the failed levees.

"I understand the anger," Scott said. "I also understand it's a negotiating tactic: Aim high and negotiate down."

Daniel Becnel, Jr., a lawyer who said his clients have filed more than 60,000 claims, said measuring Katrina's devastation in dollars and cents is a nearly impossible task.

"There's no way on earth you can figure it out," he said. "The trauma these people have undergone is unlike anything that has occurred in the history of our country."

The corps released zip codes, but no names, for the 247 claims of at least $1 billion. The list includes a $77 billion claim by the city of New Orleans. Fourteen involve a wrongful death claim. Fifteen were filed by businesses, including several insurance companies.

Little is known about the person who claimed $3 quadrillion. It was filed in Baker, 93 miles northwest of New Orleans. Baker is far from the epicenter of Katrina's destruction, but the city has a trailer park where hundreds of evacuees have lived since the storm.

Katrina, which is blamed for more than 1,600 deaths in Louisiana and Mississippi, is considered the most destructive storm to ever hit the U.S. It caused at least $60 billion in insured losses and could cost Gulf Coast states up to $125 billion, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Most of the claims were filed before a deadline that coincided with Katrina's second anniversary, but the Corps is still receiving them — about 100 claims have arrived over the past three weeks — and is feeding them into a computer database.

The Corps said it isn't passing judgment on the merits of each claim. Federal courts are in charge of deciding if a claim is valid and how much compensation is warranted.

"It's important to the person who filed it, so we're taking every single claim seriously," Corps spokeswoman Amanda Jones said.


URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22571349/?GT1=10755

[OKCPoke]

Did anyone get a phone number on Mr. Becnel Jr.? Wait, I remember seeing his phone number at the laundermat.

[Slugger926]

Some residents may have grossly exaggerated their claims to send a message to the corps, which has accepted blame for poorly designing the failed levees.

URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22571349/?GT1=10755

Yes, they designed them with warnings the whole system was under designed due to funding. The blame goes to the politicians supplying the engineers the funding for building the proper design.

The other part of the blame goes to the people that wouldn't evacuate when they could have. I don't believe New Orleans initiated their hurricane evacuation plan in a timely manner. (just an opinion here)

[Roman Craig]

And a fairly accurate opinion as well. The Federal government actually stepped in and told them to leave about 5 days before because locally nothing was being done

[CowboyOrangeFan]

I want One Miiiiiiilllllllliiiiiiiion Dollars, err, no, check that, I want

Three Quadrillion Dollars

http://arbyte.us/blog_archive/2005/11/drevil_million_dollars.jpg

[steross]

Yes, they designed them with warnings the whole system was under designed due to funding. The blame goes to the politicians supplying the engineers the funding for building the proper design.

The other part of the blame goes to the people that wouldn't evacuate when they could have. I don't believe New Orleans initiated their hurricane evacuation plan in a timely manner. (just an opinion here)

Ah ha. In that case, that person should only get $2 quadrillion.

[CocoCincinnati]

This is like building a city on top of a volacno and then suing the government when the dang thing erupts. You live below sea level and are flanked on four sides by a lake, a river, a swamp and the ocean.

[Roman Craig]

Yeah when I was there about 10 years ago I though to myself that the place had the feel of a bowl in a bathtub, it was kind of eerie and unsettling and I wanted to leave as soon as I could.

[Cimarron]

I was in a tornado one time. Should I sue the US government for that as well? Oh yes, we had hail damage one time that destroyed our crops, Bush wasn't President then but he somehow must have caused that to set things up so that he could be President and then have an excuse to invade Iraq!

I think I get it now!

[Cimarron]

Maybe we should sue those that ignored the warnings and stayed in New Orleans and our hard earned tax dollars had to be spent to get them out and take care of them! Why is it my responsibility to pay for levees and flood control for someone that wants to live below sea level?

[Darth Sensitive]

Because you want to keep an important port that handles nearly all the traffic that comes down the Mississippi open?

[SiggyPoke]

Hahahaha

I want One Miiiiiiilllllllliiiiiiiion Dollars, err, no, check that, I want

Three Quadrillion Dollars

http://arbyte.us/blog_archive/2005/11/drevil_million_dollars.jpg

[Slugger926]

Because you want to keep an important port that handles nearly all the traffic that comes down the Mississippi open?

I wonder if that can be done while returning the waterfowl habitat to its rightful owners?

[Darth Sensitive]

I'm not sure. I'm pretty sure that the Mississippi has to be continually dredged to keep it open to barges, and I think that has something to do with the marshes and barrier islands. But someone has to put the barge traffic on to ships somewhere.

I saw a good show explaining it a while after Katrina, but I don't remember too much from it anymore.

[OKCPoke]

Maybe we should sue those that ignored the warnings and stayed in New Orleans and our hard earned tax dollars had to be spent to get them out and take care of them! Why is it my responsibility to pay for levees and flood control for someone that wants to live below sea level?

If I'm not mistaken and what's even more ludicrous is that, given the opportunity after the hurricane they could have fortified the city against a Class 5 hurricane but decided it was too expensive???? Too expensive to who...the entire country that helped bail them out after the last Class 5 that wiped them out or the locals who didn't want to relocate? They will never see another penny from me if it happens again.

[sm237]

It was common knowledge that those leeves would not hold against a large hurricane. So, They made the choise to live below sea level, it's thier problem, not mine. Give those people a small resettlement check and close the city down!

The corruption down there is at epidemic levels. No matter how much money we throw at the levees, about half will end up in the mayors and governors pockets!:guns:

[RoVertoSolo]

It's evident that there still remains a lot of poop in that toilet bowl that's called "The Big Easy". I say flush it again and ease the rest of it down river.

[NYC Poke]

How much would the contingency on this be?

[RoVertoSolo]

It was common knowledge that those leeves would not hold against a large hurricane. So, They made the choise to live below sea level, it's thier problem, not mine. Give those people a small resettlement check and close the city down!

The corruption down there is at epidemic levels. No matter how much money we throw at the levees, about half will end up in the mayors and governors pockets!:guns:

or the white stuff will end up in their noses.

[okstateguy987]

Because you want to keep an important port that handles nearly all the traffic that comes down the Mississippi open?

Such is the price of man's economy. It's not just global warming that affects the earth, everything we do affects the earth, in every aspect, and people who don't want to admit it, have their head in a hole.

You know, the Native Americans pretty much had it down pat. Respect nature, and it respects you.

[Poke4Christ]

Sometimes, bad things happen in life and you just have to accept it and move on. We should help our fellow man (as we have quite a bit in america, though maybe not enough), but it should not be another person's responsibility. That is my biggest problem with lawsuits. It is saying, "it's not my fault, it's yours. So pay up". Sometimes things aren't your fault, but you still have to pay for them. Thus is the nature of life.

[steross]

Sometimes, bad things happen in life and you just have to accept it and move on. We should help our fellow man (as we have quite a bit in america, though maybe not enough), but it should not be another person's responsibility. That is my biggest problem with lawsuits. It is saying, "it's not my fault, it's yours. So pay up". Sometimes things aren't your fault, but you still have to pay for them. Thus is the nature of life.


Too true. I was amazed how many people asked me if I was going to sue after I fell off of that statue. I said, "I climbed the statue and then fell off. What exactly did the owner do wrong?" Some said they should have had a warning sign. Some said they should not have put concrete on the ground around it since they knew people could climb it. Some just said they I should make them pay my medical bills. Amazing.

[RoVertoSolo]

Too true. I was amazed how many people asked me if I was going to sue after I fell off of that statue. I said, "I climbed the statue and then fell off. What exactly did the owner do wrong?" Some said they should have had a warning sign. Some said they should not have put concrete on the ground around it since they knew people could climb it. Some just said they I should make them pay my medical bills. Amazing.

I missed your bout with the statue. Can someone give me a link to avoid a possible reexamination of his fall here?

[Poke4Christ]

Too true. I was amazed how many people asked me if I was going to sue after I fell off of that statue. I said, "I climbed the statue and then fell off. What exactly did the owner do wrong?" Some said they should have had a warning sign. Some said they should not have put concrete on the ground around it since they knew people could climb it. Some just said they I should make them pay my medical bills. Amazing.

Good man! It's kinda sad that this is something to stand up and applaud, but it is. Good show!!!!

[steross]

I missed your bout with the statue. Can someone give me a link to avoid a possible reexamination of his fall here?

http://www.orangepower.com/showthread.php?t=38884&highlight=statue

Looking back, I was even more testy than normal with that head injury.

[OKCPoke]

http://www.orangepower.com/showthread.php?t=38884&highlight=statue

Looking back, I was even more testy than normal with that head injury.

I reread that post, how are things going now? Life will never be the same but have a lot of the issues you had been improved? Hearing etc... Interesting how this society has turned into a "there's always somebody else to blame" group which normally ends up with a legal suit. I found out who the guy was that broadsided me in my wreck but never even considered suing him. How do you get that period of life back...the money won't improve my loss of memory. I think suits have their place in society but they're not always the answer and usually it's not somebody else's fault, responsibility lies with making good decisions and yourself.

[Slugger926]

I reread that post, how are things going now? Life will never be the same but have a lot of the issues you had been improved? Hearing etc... Interesting how this society has turned into a "there's always somebody else to blame" group which normally ends up with a legal suit. I found out who the guy was that broadsided me in my wreck but never even considered suing him. How do you get that period of life back...the money won't improve my loss of memory. I think suits have their place in society but they're not always the answer and usually it's not somebody else's fault, responsibility lies with making good decisions and yourself.

Sometimes you never get a chance not to sue. Your insurance company will make that decision for you.

Several years ago, I tore up a knee playing semi-pro baseball in OKC with a collision at Home Plate. The attorneys for the insurance company kept hounding me about whose fault it was, and where it happened. I just told them "It Happened, pay for the dang surgery!" The owner of a baseball field shouldn't be sued because of normal acceptable play in baseball, and the same goes for the other player in the collision even though he could have made a simple tag rather than blocking the plate. The insurance company put a "Letter" in my file, but I could care less since my company I worked for changed insurance companies.

Twenty years ago, I wasn't hounded by the insurance company about suing anyone over medical expenses when a steel fence post went through my left hand. By engineering standards and ethics, the steel fence post company was not at fault since I was crossing the fence in a non acceptable way under non-normal conditions of an ice storm.

[apollo883]

Perhaps these people should be suing Katrina, since it is the thing that caused all the damage. :rolleyes:

[RoVertoSolo]

Sometimes you never get a chance not to sue. Your insurance company will make that decision for you.

Several years ago, I tore up a knee playing semi-pro baseball in OKC with a collision at Home Plate. The attorneys for the insurance company kept hounding me about whose fault it was, and where it happened. I just told them "It Happened, pay for the dang surgery!" The owner of a baseball field shouldn't be sued because of normal acceptable play in baseball, and the same goes for the other player in the collision even though he could have made a simple tag rather than blocking the plate. The insurance company put a "Letter" in my file, but I could care less since my company I worked for changed insurance companies.

Twenty years ago, I wasn't hounded by the insurance company about suing anyone over medical expenses when a steel fence post went through my left hand. By engineering standards and ethics, the steel fence post company was not at fault since I was crossing the fence in a non acceptable way under non-normal conditions of an ice storm.

In what league in OKC were you playing? Was it the Red River League?

Those damn catchers think they own home plate don't they.;)

[jackbristow]

http://www.orangepower.com/showthread.php?t=38884&highlight=statue

Looking back, I was even more testy than normal with that head injury.

Did anyone ever tell you why you were up on that statue? I'd be curious to know what the circumstances were. Sounds like a drunk bet, but you said you weren't drinking...

[NYC Poke]

What kind of a statue?

[Slugger926]

In what league in OKC were you playing? Was it the Red River League?

Those damn catchers think they own home plate don't they.;)

Yes about the catchers, but paybacks can be hell once they get on firstbase. It is just part of the game.

It was the Tulsa Red Sox vs the OKC Mudhens. I am not sure of the league, but it was mostly 20 somethings that played college ball that were out working day jobs.

The injury screwed up a free two week trip in September that year to Clearwater beach to play for the St. Louis Budwieser sponsered team. They picked me up that summer for some tournaments in Oklahoma, and invited me out to Florida.

[RxCowboy]

Because you want to keep an important port that handles nearly all the traffic that comes down the Mississippi open?

The port could be built farther upstream at a higher elevation and still be just as functional.

[steross]

What kind of a statue?

This statue. I knew why I was on her back. It was to get my picture taken up there. What I don't know, and never will know, is why I did a handstand which caused me to flip off of the thing and hit the back tire then spin into the ground. That just isn't my nature. Unfortunately I didn't just fall. I was spinning end over end and landed face first.

I am better now for the most part. My face is fine. The surgeons did a great job and the scars are virtually invisible. My hand is OK but the thumb is shorter and not quite as limber. My ear is the most recent thing. I displaced and fractured one of the ossicles (little ear bones). I had to go to LA and a surgeon reconstructed my middle ear. Basically he ripped all the bones out and replaced them with a titanium rod. It is better as I can hear now, but it is not the same as the natural. I often get a "blown speaker" sort of noise in the ear with certain sounds.

[OKCPoke]

This statue. I knew why I was on her back. It was to get my picture taken up there. What I don't know, and never will know, is why I did a handstand which caused me to flip off of the thing and hit the back tire then spin into the ground. That just isn't my nature. Unfortunately I didn't just fall. I was spinning end over end and landed face first.

I am better now for the most part. My face is fine. The surgeons did a great job and the scars are virtually invisible. My hand is OK but the thumb is shorter and not quite as limber. My ear is the most recent thing. I displaced and fractured one of the ossicles (little ear bones). I had to go to LA and a surgeon reconstructed my middle ear. Basically he ripped all the bones out and replaced them with a titanium rod. It is better as I can hear now, but it is not the same as the natural. I often get a "blown speaker" sort of noise in the ear with certain sounds.

Glad to hear your recovery is successful for the most part. What the hell is that statue for, what does it represent/stand for?

[NYC Poke]

Ouch.

[RoVertoSolo]

I started to do some research on statues in Sturgis, thinking you did not know from what statue you fell. I quickly became aware of two, but I selected the more historical one to find a picture and get some information about its height.

This is the other grand statue in the town now know mostly for rowdies on cycles. It is of Samuel Davis Sturgis, Brevet Major General and Colonel, United States Army for whom the town was named.

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/5202/sturgisstatuewx9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


Steross, I really had you pictured on this statue and not the white one. :)

[RoVertoSolo]

Glad to hear your recovery is successful for the most part. What the hell is that statue for, what does it represent/stand for?

It's certainly interesting and it really just looks :cool:.

Are there any miniatures of it for sale?

[steross]

Glad to hear your recovery is successful for the most part. What the hell is that statue for, what does it represent/stand for?

The statue is at the Buffalo Chip, a big biker campground/concert venue. We were there for a concert. I guess it is a somewhat abstract vision of a naked woman on a motorcycle. I don't know of any other significance to it.

[RoVertoSolo]

She is appropriately named "Miss Chippie".

[OKCPoke]

She is appropriately named "Miss Chippie".

That should be changed to "Miss Boobie", I sure don't remember any chips after viewing.

[RoVertoSolo]

That should be changed to "Miss Boobie", I sure don't remember any chips after viewing.

She was named after those things you step in with your boots. You know, "meadow muffins". :D

[jackbristow]

This statue. I knew why I was on her back. It was to get my picture taken up there. What I don't know, and never will know, is why I did a handstand which caused me to flip off of the thing and hit the back tire then spin into the ground. That just isn't my nature. Unfortunately I didn't just fall. I was spinning end over end and landed face first.

I am better now for the most part. My face is fine. The surgeons did a great job and the scars are virtually invisible. My hand is OK but the thumb is shorter and not quite as limber. My ear is the most recent thing. I displaced and fractured one of the ossicles (little ear bones). I had to go to LA and a surgeon reconstructed my middle ear. Basically he ripped all the bones out and replaced them with a titanium rod. It is better as I can hear now, but it is not the same as the natural. I often get a "blown speaker" sort of noise in the ear with certain sounds.

Holy crap! That sucks. Sounds like some goofy stunt I might have tried to pull too. Glad to hear that you are doing well after all that. Thanks for sharing the rest of the story.

[NYC Poke]

Has anyone made a "statue of limitations" crack yet?