Monday, February 24, 2003

Don't worry about life; you're not going to survive.

Sad about the Station.

Lots of BS in the press right now as the liability jockeying progresses.

Here are my thoughts:

The band can say they had permission, but without something in writing, their permission is as good as the paper its not written on... Great White's lawyer seems pretty incompetent. Besides -- "permission" does not relieve the band of the responsibility to exercise common sense and to comply with RI laws.

It just so happens that RI has strict requirements regarding pyro. The operator -- notice that person has not yet been identified -- who was the mystery person who set up the device and pushed the button to set it off? -- has to be a RI resident or represented by a RI attorney. The operator has to have a license and a minimum of 50k in liability insurance.

(Compared to the costs inherent in 97 wrongful death suits, not to mention the claims of the hospitalized and walking wounded -- 50k is laughable....)

BUT -- this operator was obviously not complying with RI law. If the operator had been even remotely familiar with the relevant statutes, s/he would have had the appropriate permits and a fire marshal on scene -- who hopefully wouldn't have allowed pyro in that fire trap.

Damn sad.

Ultimately, the owner's pockets will not be deep enough and the band's pockets will not be deep enough.

More money must be found!

Crafty lawyers are already planning their assault on the coffers of West Warwick. After all -- it appears the principality's officials were lax in enforcing the laws meant to prevent such occurrences. It is already coming out that improperly regulated pyro was a way of life in RI. Openly -- notoriously -- yes, routinely, even -- used by many bands. Something the good fire marshals should have been aware of...

And how about that sound proofing foam? Remember non-fire retardant baby pajamas? I wonder if the foam's manufacturer is still in business and how their account balance ledger reads.

*Sigh*

In the end, the wily lawyers will emerge with the largest chunk of cash from the process, but change will be wrought in the unique litigious American way.

Maybe future tragedies will be averted.

Myself?

Still keeping an eye on the exits of life....

posted by Bohica at 7:53 AM