Random Thoughts: The farmers and the trespasser, part 4
August 14, 2020
Marvin Katko broke into an abandoned farmhouse in Eddyville, Iowa, in 1967 and was wounded when a booby-trapped shotgun discharged, striking him in the legs.
Katko suffered non-life threatening injuries that required extensive medical treatment and left him with a permanent limp. He decided to sue the owners of the farmhouse, Edward and Bertha Briney.
At trial, to the surprise of many local observers, Katko prevailed. The jury awarded him $30,000 (including $10,000 in “punitive” damages – to punish the Brineys for their actions leading to Katko’s wounds)!
According to one source on...
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