The
smile of a wolf
With
a vicious temperament
When
on the prowl.
Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021
Not
only does it seem as if justice is neither swift nor fair in many cases,
sometimes it seems downright bizarre.
In
my case, when a skateboarder lost control of his board that hit my bike causing
me to fall and break my clavicle, I was just about ready to give up when
possibly the entertainment Gods are going to step in to help out.
The
producer from a program called “Hot Bench” sent me a letter inquiring if I
would be willing to have that show arbitrate my case. The catch is the
defendant would also have to agree to appear. And why would he? The producer
explained that the advantage for a defendant is that because it’s binding
arbitration that’s not going through the courts, it doesn’t show on their
records. I hope that’s enough bait. I also hope that the contact information
the dude gave me was accurate. I tried calling once but never received a
response.
This
is the e-mail I sent back to the producer.
Thank
you so much for considering my case. I was at the point where I felt receiving
justice was hopeless.
Outside
of your sadly true statement regarding collecting damages through the small
claims court system, the court made a clerical error listing two different case
numbers and a different defendant (Bicycle World) on the mandatory mediation
notice. In Los Angeles before proceeding to trial mandatory mediation is required.
I sent a certified letter to the court stating this error on June 15 and have,
as of yet, not received any update.
And
it doesn’t end there. Because I’m in my 60s health insurance is extremely
expensive. To lower the cost over a year ago I joined a health share network;
Trinity Health Share. They have since filed for bankruptcy protection. To this
point I have paid out of pocket for a very expensive ambulance ride and a few
x-ray bills. My clavicle surgery went very well and I am almost fully recovered
my physical injuries but am in limbo as to whether or how much of that was paid
for.
However,
it isn’t the expenses and mental and physical discomfort of the accident that
caused me to seek renumeration through the court system, it was the lack of
remorse or any attempt to make amends by Mr. Flores.
Fortunately
at the time of the accident there was a good Samaritan on hand, Matt, who
rushed me to urgent care, had the sense to use my phone to get the I.D.s of
Mr.Flores and his friend, and held on to my damaged bicycle until it was
convenient for my wife to retrieve it.
If
there are any details of the case that you need, I’ll be happy to forward them
to you. I’ll also call you tomorrow after work.
Thank
you again for your time and for reaching out.
