Man Gets $18M for 20-Foot Fall Through Manhole

A former Pa. medical student who fell through a manhole and suffered career-ending injuries will receive $18 million after a Philadelphia jury trial.

Thirty-year-old Marcus Gustafsson of Philadelphia fell about 20 feet through the open manhole in 2004.

Lawyer Matthew Casey says Gustafsson suffered a broken back and other serious injuries and cannot return to medical school.

The defendant, the energy company Trigen-Philadelphia, says someone removed the 250-pound cover illegally.

A jury returned an $85 million verdict Monday, but the parties had agreed to cap the award.

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Featured Comment

July 5, 2008 at 9:31 am

Mlle. Cotard says:

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Honestly, people.

The only posting I even remotely agree with (and I heavily qualify that) belongs to “Just a Thought…”.

Nobody–with the possible exception of a “card carrying member of the S.S. brigade”–deserves an outcome like that of Mr. Gustafsson. Especially in light of the fact that he was working in the medical field–a field whose goal is, ostensibly, to help your neighbor.

His dreams were cut short, and he plummeted twenty feet to his (presumable) death. Can you even imagine the physical–or psychological–aftereffects of something so harrowing? He deserves so (so) much better than an 18 million dollar settlement, and anybody who believes otherwise can see me for a swift knock to the nose. (And, mind you, I’m a pacifist who can’t so much as squash bugs. Nonetheless: I will clock you, and run off, laughing, into the Technicolor sunset, should you continue to talk so much under-informed hooey.)

Wasn’t it E.M. Forster, who once said: “The only perfect view–in this world–is that of the sky, over our heads”? Are we really going to fault someone for tilting his chin to the clouds–especially when the city is, legally, required to provide solid ground beneath his feet?

SEPTA is not the only INEPT-A element of Philadelphia infrastructure; this whole thing makes me want to bop someone in the nose, and have a nice little cry. And makes me semi-glad that I moved away, years ago.

I think you should all send Mr. Gustafsson a fruit basket, and an apology for your narrow-minded, negative, and nasty ways.
He deserves better.

Latest Comments

July 5, 2008 at 9:31 am

Mlle. Cotard says:

Honestly, people. The only posting I even remotely agree with (and I heavily qualify that) belongs to "Just a Thought...". Nobody--with the possible exception of a "card carry... read more
March 5, 2008 at 6:23 am

Mary B. says:

The only tragedy here is the dollar verdict for this idiot. You are so typical of what is wrong with America and its legal system. All emotion, no logic and no belief in perso... read more
March 3, 2008 at 1:22 am

mcheck57 says:

That was some strong homeless man!!! Pried and picked up a 250 lb manhole cover.

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