Illegal immigrant to sue First Responders who rescued him for taking too long.

[TheLocalMedic]

God, I sincerely hope that this gets laughed out of court...

 

[DrankTheKoolaid]

Not only laughed at but the attorney who filed this should be crucified by the BAR for even filing it

 

[Household6]

This man's lawsuit is nowhere near the most frivolous I've seen or heard about.

You should be celebrating it anyways, the most American thing you can do is sue somebody. Get ahead by stepping on others: 'Murrica.

Unpopular opinion time: If you're wronged, you're (possibly) due your day in court (and any damages) regardless of immigration status. Just because somebody isn't "Amurrican" (luck? fortune? divine intervention?) doesn't mean we should treat them as subhuman.

(blah blah blah constitution blah blah blah, white folk sure got it hard)

Funnies aside, the xenophobic undertones of some of the responses here gives me sad feelers. Christopher, I share your unpopular opinion. Undocumented, non-English speakers, poor, rich, homeless, addicted, that shouldn't even be an issue for anyone in EMS.

 

[SandpitMedic]

the xenophobic undertones of some of the responses here gives me sad feelers. Christopher, I share your unpopular opinion. Undocumented, non-English speakers, poor, rich, homeless, addicted, that shouldn't even be an issue for anyone in EMS.

You're missing the driving point. No one is suggesting nor debating withholding care and/or displaying prejudice towards patients due to race/religion/sexual orientation/etc.

The point is the socio-economic policy of this country, and how something like this is even allowed to progress this far... I.e scumbag not being immediately apprehended and fined or (better yet) deported.

Read: scumbag as person not lawfully in this country taking advantage of laws and rights specifically only afforded to those legally in this country to sue or otherwise blame professional rescuers (us)who saved his life for his own stupid actions. NOT because he's Mexican. As I said earlier, scumbags come in all shapes, sizes, colors, races, etc... This one just so happens to not (supposed) to have a leg to stand on. Shut him down.

Also, if you live/migrate here.. You should speak or attempt to learn English, if that's bigotry well then oh well.

 

[UnkiEMT]

Read: scumbag as person not lawfully in this country taking advantage of laws and rights specifically only afforded to those legally in this counrty to sue or otherwise blame professional rescuers (us)who saved his life for his own stupid actions.

So, I really don't want to get involved in the meat of this argument, but after seeing this whole "immigrants can't sue" argument several times, I think I should speak up. They absolutely can sue. Three minutes of googling turned this up, which isn't a great explanation, but it's as interested as I am:

From the Cornell Law School (http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/alien about 2/3rds of the way down the page.):

Generally, both legal and illegal immigrants have the right to bring suit in United States federal court. Federal civil rights statutes also expressly permit aliens to bring claims of civil rights violations in federal court. States have generally provided aliens with access to their court systems as well, provided that the alien resides within the particular state.

 

[Brandon O]

Seems like there's two different questions here. The medicoethical question of whether illegal immigrants should get the best care we can provide, same as anyone (we all seem to be on the same page there); and the political question of whether they should be here to begin with. I agree that they're separate, but I'm not sure this is a great venue for debating the latter.

 

[Household6]

Seems like there's two different questions here. The medicoethical question of whether illegal immigrants should get the best care we can provide, same as anyone (we all seem to be on the same page there); and the political question of whether they should be here to begin with. I agree that they're separate, but I'm not sure this is a great venue for debating the latter.

Take immigration status out of the picture, and look solely at the FD.. The way I see it, is there is a man who was a patient, and feels like he was harmed. He should still be heard out, and the incident should be investigated. Water rescuers can screw up, they're not untouchable Paragods of perfection. We all know they have a tough job, but they can still flub up like the rest of us.

If someone is THAT dissatisfied with the care provided that they claim physical damages (lawsuit or not, even someone who would send a nasty email), the protocols of that department should be re-evaluated for improvement, and then the actions of the crew should be compared tot he protocols..

 

[TheLocalMedic]

If someone is THAT dissatisfied with the care provided that they claim physical damages (lawsuit or not, even someone who would send a nasty email), the protocols of that department should be re-evaluated for improvement, and then the actions of the crew should be compared tot he protocols..

It would appear that he wasn't dissatisfied with the care inasmuch as he is simply looking for someone else to foot the bill that his own carelessness or misfortune begot him. He even comes right out and says so in the interview. He's looking for someone to pay his way, even if that means suing the people who rescued him.

Immoral, misguided and reprehensible.

Also, very American. I've had people try to bring suits against me in exactly the same way. They never go anywhere, but they still try...

 

[SandpitMedic]

Many valid points have been made. As well as one invalid argument.

So, I really don't want to get involved....Generally, both legal and illegal immigrants have the right to bring suit in United States federal court. Federal civil rights statutes also expressly permit aliens to bring claims of civil rights violations in federal court. States have generally provided aliens with access to their court systems as well, provided that the alien resides within the particular state.

This is not a federal issue, it is not a civil rights case, and it is not germane to this debate. Nothing you posted has to do with the local jurisdiction in which this case is located. Also, I'm in agreement that every person on this planet is endowed with certain unalienable rights that should not be infringed and without any reservations; this case has nothing at all to do with that topic. Sueing the Fire Department that rescued you because you can not pay your bills is not a federally guaranteed right, nor a civil rights violation.

Seems like there's two different questions here. The medicoethical question of whether illegal immigrants should get the best care we can provide, same as anyone (we all seem to be on the same page there); and the political question of whether they should be here to begin with. I agree that they're separate, but I'm not sure this is a great venue for debating the latter.

Yes, we are all professional, unbiased care providers while we are on duty.
This isn't the proper venue, I concur. It's a national discussion we need to have. Although, the diverse crowd of public safety workers and healthcare workers whom it indirectly affects like us should have a united stand on the issue.

Take immigration status out of the picture, and look solely at the FD.. The way I see it, is there is a man who was a patient, and feels like he was harmed. He should still be heard out, and the incident should be investigated. Water rescuers can screw up, they're not untouchable Paragods of perfection.

If someone is THAT dissatisfied with the care provided that they claim physical damages (lawsuit or not, even someone who would send a nasty email), the protocols of that department should be re-evaluated for improvement, and then the actions of the crew should be compared tot he protocols..

Sure, and the way I see it the FD should get the benefit of the doubt way over a guy who goes on camera stating "I need to pay my bills, I need help..."
That doesn't sound like he is dissatisfied or suffered injury due to the FDs actions, sounds more like he is financially disadvantaged as opposed to dissatisfied. No one said that anyone was a PARAGOD or infallible. Sure, maybe they flubbed... Perhaps an internal review of SOPs and CQI of that incident is warranted. But seeking damages for your own behavior/actions. If I walk into a wall, I don't sue the wall maker or the building owner... I take responsibility for walking into the wall, as he should for driving into the wash.

I am sure that we won't agree, as we never have before. The fire department has not stated there was a flub or anything other than they are glad they were able to successfully come to the rescue. Perhaps if a body recovery were made instead of a save I would be more inclined to agree with your viewpoints. Although, that isn't the case.

 

[Brandon O]

This isn't the proper venue, I concur. It's a national discussion we need to have. Although, the diverse crowd of public safety workers and healthcare workers whom it indirectly affects like us should have a united stand on the issue.

On the issue of illegal immigration? Why?

 

[Carlos Danger]

I realize I'm late to this party, but I just don't see what this guy's immigration status has to do with anything.

It seems to me that whether this guy should sue and his immigration status / the larger issues of immigration are two completely separate issues.

 

[SandpitMedic]

Brandon O...
Politics... Not about EMS. Although, in this case it is clearly a paramount variable.

As a whole I have not seen many hot button political discussions on this website. It is difficult to keep to the rules sometimes when people get riled up over politics. And we have some very sensitive folks around here, and politeness is the golden rule.

 

[SandpitMedic]

My posts are long.... Most of you likely skim or skip.

So here is the short & sweet.

This guy should be deported... And only deported... Bye Felicia. There's the door, don't come back. You're welcome for saving your entire families' lives.
Ps we wiped the mens' sweat ,who rescued you, with your court papers. You're on the watch lists now...

 

[NomadicMedic]

I've got to be honest, I find your racist tone to be particularly offensive. But, everyone is allowed an opinion. That's why Fox News is still on the air.

The law suit should be dismissed as frivolous, unless there are circumstances we are not aware of. Then, his immigration status can be addressed.

But, as halothane mentioned, his immigration stays plays no role in this case, other than throwing gas on the 'Mercia fire.

And yes, "be nice" is the FIRST rule.

 

[Rin]

For those that don't know, our country doesn't have an official language. That makes any claim that people here should be forced to learn any one language arbitrary.

 

[SandpitMedic]

My girlfriend of 4 years is Mexican, like legit Mexican from anchor baby Spanish/English speaking parents with a grandma who only speaks Spanish (well pretends to) ... Just to put out the "you're a racist against Mexicans" fire that's starting to smoke.

There are so many socio-economic issues that are directly impacted by illegal immigration this day in age. Healthcare (including EMS), education, welfare, the economy, jobs, law enforcement, corrections, crime statistics, politics, etc. etc. etc.

Illegal Canadian: get out!
Illegal Mexican: get out!
Illegal Haitian: get out!
Illegal Polish: get out!

Of those four, from which country do we have the largest number of illegal immigrants and thus the greatest focused issue.

That's all about that. I'm glad we agree that in this order: his case should be thrown out, and then his immigration status should be addressed. 100% agree. We can let this get traction and become a trend, or we can stop it now.

 

[SandpitMedic]

For those that don't know, our country doesn't have an official language. That makes any claim that people here should be forced to learn any one language arbitrary.

The official language in the State of Colorado, among 28 other states, is English.

 

[Household6]

My girlfriend of 4 years is Mexican, like legit Mexican from anchor baby Spanish/English speaking parents with a grandma who only speaks Spanish (well pretends to) ... Just to put out the "you're a racist against Mexicans" fire that's starting to smoke.

Ahhh.. the "friend argument".. Used by people who want to clear and absolve themselves from suspicion of racism, xenophobia, or other kinds of prejudice.. The underlying fallacy is that one single point of data, this one "friend," completely overrides any other bits of evidence we have to assess someone's views.

"I'm not racist, I have friends who are black.!" Puh-leeze.

 

[Rin]

I don't recall everyone agreeing the case should be thrown out.

 

[exodus]

How about this. Let him sue them, and see how it plays out in court. Then after the decision is made deport him back and let him use our money that we gave him to come back legally.

If there was a true negligent act that caused him harm, then he deserves the payout regardless of immigration status. But I don't see any harm here...