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Father offers emotional testimony in injury-accident suit

By JAYNE HANSON
Monday, September 22, 2008 10:38 PM MST

KINGMAN — The father of a Lake Havasu City man who is suing the city provided emotional testimony in Mohave County Superior Court when the jury began phase two of the Ryan Meehan vs. Lake Havasu City trial Monday. Phase two could possibly determine the monetary compensation to be awarded to Meehan and his parents, who care for him daily as a result of his injury.

The jury’s split decision last week declared Ryan Meehan, 30, to be 82 percent at fault and Lake Havasu City to be 18 percent at fault in regard to the January 2002 high-speed police chase. The chase ended in a rollover accident that seriously injured Meehan.

Mohave County Superior Court Judge James Chavez instructed the jury to bear in mind through the second part of the trial the compensation for Ryan Meehan and his parents would be in relation to the determined percentage of fault.

Plaintiff attorney Charles F. Richards began Monday’s court session with opening statements highlighting the importance of distinguishing the full damages suffered by the Meehan family as a result of Ryan Meehan’s brain injury and continued need for care. Loss of family relationships, loss of past and future medical expenses, a decreased earning potential, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering are included in the list of overall effects Meehan and his parents have endured since the accident.

Richards said medical expenses to date are $626,000. It is estimated, Richards said, Meehan would require an additional $4.6 million for medical expenses in his expected lifetime. Aside from past and future medical expenses, Meehan has lost between $2-3 million in wages in a lifelong career as a commercial airline pilot, an avenue Meehan was training for at the time of the accident, Richards said. He estimated the grand total for Meehan’s economic losses is $7.2–8.2 million.

Richards also questioned if damages are to be reduced by the group’s knowledge of a seat belt not being used on the night in question.

Defense attorney William G. Fairbourn argued that since Meehan failed to wear a seatbelt the night of the accident, it increased the level of his injuries. Meehan was propelled from the vehicle and struck the house with his head. Fairbourn added, statistics show a 99.1 percent chance of minor injuries if not ejected from a vehicle during an accident.

Fairbourn argues there was an available seatbelt in the vehicle Meehan was operating. Also, failure to use the seatbelt was unreasonable just as it was unreasonable for Meehan to be driving while intoxicated and to be driving erratically, Fairbourn argued.

Monday’s court session also included the testimony of Thomas Meehan, Ryan’s father. Thomas Meehan was choked with emotion as Richards displayed photos to the jury of Ryan before the accident. Thomas Meehan’s testimony included detailed education and work history, the toll Ryan’s injury has taken on Thomas Meehan’s family, his job, his marriage and his relationship with Ryan.

“It’s like having a baby you have to raise again,” said Thomas Meehan.

Thomas Meehan described a day with Ryan, as he is Ryan’s primary caregiver. Overwhelmed with emotion, he explained the measures he takes to keep his son safe, to keep Ryan from hurting himself or others.

Thomas Meehan talked of enduring Ryan’s outbursts, impulsiveness, and anger that are characteristic of a person with a traumatic brain injury. He explained how his son’s anger is directed at him. “I have to keep him safe, so I’m the bad guy. I won’t let him do what he wants,” Thomas Meehan said.

The damage phase of the trial will continue this week. Both the plaintiff and the defense are armed with expert witnesses to be called to determine past and future medical expense plans and vocational limitations.

You may contact the reporter at jhanson@havasunews.com.

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Reader Comments

grrr wrote on Sep 30, 2008 12:17 PM:

" stopbeatingadeadhorse, must be a Democrat. They don't have any original ideas. I shut off the tv when a Democrat stands up there and uses Republicans ideas for their own and stand up there and lie! grrrr "

Havasu hypocrisy wrote on Sep 30, 2008 11:59 AM:

" Actually Rat, it highlighted how much of a hypocrite some posters sound like. "Stop" was correct in the statement. "

Desertrat wrote on Sep 30, 2008 7:23 AM:

" stop beating: Funny how you use my exact phrase. Besides being bias, you appear to not have a original thought. "

stop beating a dead horse wrote on Sep 29, 2008 7:10 PM:

" Dessertrat, please stop beating a dead horse. The jury found the police guilty. Just as the mooring issue should die so should the belief that the police are innocent. "

no way jose wrote on Sep 29, 2008 3:29 PM:

" "Jury said it best": And you believe the public should buy your bit of rambling vendictive nonesense? "

jury said it best wrote on Sep 29, 2008 2:54 PM:

" butch/Rat. Get over it. Jury came back and the verdict was what all who live here or visit here know...LHCPD GUILTY!!
The Police had there say and a jury found them GUILTY! Getting a mooring ticket here btw and a judge-ex supervisor of the cop finds you guilty (note, trial is irrelevant). "

Desertrat wrote on Sep 29, 2008 11:57 AM:

" the bottom line-again? Get over the one mooring ticket which was deserved. Move on! "

Butch wrote on Sep 29, 2008 9:24 AM:

" Oh Butch and Bottom Line-AKA Student of Law. Ryan's story has fallen on the back burner and once again as an attorney usually goes, they can not keep their word but hold everyone else to it. No more posting by you???, ya right,,,, no way. You are a joke and every one can see that. Thanks for the humor, now go study. Some one in the future may need an attorney to right another of their WRONGS! NOT! "

oh butch. wrote on Sep 29, 2008 7:42 AM:

" Butch, as you say you were sitting on the right of the Judges you mention does not mean you have any concept of the task they are entrusted with.
Asking a cop for an opinion of law is like asking a Paramedic to perform surgery. It is outside the scope of practice. You understand one little tiny piece of puzzle.
Remember that John Adams was a defense attorney who defended BRITISH soldiers in Boston. He did it because everyone deserves justice. Prosectors are entrusted with too much power as it is to railroad people. This is evident by the numbers of people on death row who have since been proven innocent with evidence surpressed by the prosectors.

Student. excellent points all. Thanks for contributing. Please look into the Magistrate here. "

Tom wrote on Sep 28, 2008 10:55 PM:

" Why do the lawyers have to be buried 25ft below the ground, as opposed to the rest of us who get only 6ft?....
Because deep down they are really good. "

the bottom line wrote on Sep 28, 2008 9:40 PM:

" anti-SOL must have missed the part where the police were found guilty and that almost everything SOL said has come to pass. The fact that the Butchs of the web have been wrong more than right must be really upsetting to the people who constantly post in favor of a bad police department and support bad cops. GUILTY was the verdict. "

One more thing SOL wrote on Sep 28, 2008 7:40 PM:

" The jurors were obviously posting in relationship to this article, because the most recent is not showing up as recent news. Read baby read. "

Good Bye SOL wrote on Sep 28, 2008 7:37 PM:

" So glad Student of Law as decided to stop posting. As he is a student, I find it really funny that he seems to know more than the Judge, Jury and Attorneys in this case. It is good that he/she will stop posting here, that will give time for studies, since the last post implies that he/she is also a Medical Student, and knows everything about brain injuries. "

Ummm.. wrote on Sep 28, 2008 7:34 PM:

" Training to be a commercial pilot? Driving drunk? Sorry, it sucks- I know. But The moment he got in that car drunk, his pilot career was gone. Period. So there's no lost earnings there. None. Your FAA medical is null and void the second you get nailed for drunk driving. Too bad. The city owes nothing here. The cops were doing their job. People are supposed to stop for cops. "

well wrote on Sep 28, 2008 7:11 PM:

" so was it ever proved that he was in fact the driver?? what about no keys being at the crash because the supposed driver took off with them?

or was the jury not suppose to take that into consideration because it got axed by the judge?

any one know the answer to that? "

Butch wrote on Sep 28, 2008 3:21 PM:

" Student of Law: As mentioned before, I feel sorry for Ryan and his family. But then we could easily become a nation of pity as we are surrounded by those who make stupid mistakes. We can not chose to award everyone injured by their mistakes by taking a percentage of the blame and placing it on someone else. Especially when they clearly precipitate the act that caused their injuries or death. Your appeal "wait and see" attitude is just as enticing as your pre-trial "wait and see" analysis. It will be refreshing not to read your rants of arrogance displaying self perceived pseudo- intellect inserts. I also performed JD study under the sponsorship of two Superior Court Judges in the most litigious state going. I found at the same time while working in a career field of Law Enforcement, the public service and sitting on the Courts Right side of the table much more fulfilling. Being a member of the court is a noble profession if performed with a desire to do what is right and not for the money. Good luck as you appear already too immersed in the field to see the reality and application of common sense. Opinions of law are like parts of the human body, every one has one but it necessarily doesn't make one better than the other. "

undeniable wrote on Sep 28, 2008 10:52 AM:

" DesertRat, first you cannot say that the person posting as a juror was one. Secondly, a "majority" thinking the city was 0% at fault would mean the city would have been found 0%at fault. The fact that the police were found 18% at fault means that a majority found otherwise.
Steve, is wanting a police force that is not corrupt or guilty a bad thing now? The fact is that the police were found GUILTY. It is irrefutable now and can be used in future suits against the police to establish a pattern so the awards go up. As a taxpayer who will be paying those awards I am upset. "

Student of law wrote on Sep 28, 2008 8:50 AM:

" Butch- Ryan is, in fact, incapacitated. His parents had to get guardianship of him. He was examined thoroughly by the courts to come to this determination. He will never be able to have a family, a home, a real job. My guess is his life is a living hell and this is not a proportionate punishment for the city's negligence that helped to contribute to his injuries. I am not saying that there is no fault to be placed on him. I am saying that the city holds fault as well. Two wrongs do not make a right.
Juror- State and Federal aid in cases like this file what is called liens against any judgments and are paid back for their contributions. The government ALWAYS gets their money, remember that. In addition, that is NOT to be considered in jury decisions and the fact that you posted that can be presented to the appeals court for consideration. I hope the attorney is reading these blogs for use in that purpose. As well, to make a judgment based upon the percentage of jurors who think each way is completely off base. You just stated clearly to trained minds that the jury did not have a grasp of how they were to decide. In addition, to be quite blunt with you, I believe that the jurors were reading these news blogs while you were sitting on the jury. It is funny to me that many of you went to post immediately in an older article rather than in the newest one that was at the top of the page the day you all began posting. Very curious.
Hmmm- Ryan suffers from a brain injury, severe, permanent and most likely his condition will deteriorate quickly. Oftentimes brain injuries like this result in various syndromes that can cause addictive or obsessive behaviors. I know this because I have a relative who suffered a serious brain injury. This relative hated smoking prior to his injury, would not be around it at all, then after the injury was a voracious smoker.
Just because someone can sit at a gas station and smoke does not mean they are fine. These victims will often think they are perfectly fine, they don't realize their incapabilities. They can't understand why people don't allow them to do things that everyone else does. Unless you have been involved with this family and have seen his behavior 24 hours a day, you would not know how severe these injuries can be.
I will not post here again, you can all continue on with your ignorant rants uninterrupted by intelligent inserts. I will, however, be watching the appellate court for the appeal to be filed. Should be quite interesting. "

MN wrote on Sep 28, 2008 4:32 AM:

" I am quite sure that Ryans parents are his legal gaurdian and therefor went to court on his behalf. Was Ryan at the courthouse? MAYBE HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN FOR ALL TO SEE, OFCOURSE YOU CAN'T SMOKE IN A COURTHOUSE. I feel for the guy but am sure he is getting disability social security, which his parents are using to care for him.Hope this is a lesson for drinkers and drivers, which are aplenty in LH! "

Desertrat wrote on Sep 27, 2008 4:55 PM:

" Undeniable- if you read the juror's post, the majority of the jurors thought that the city was 0% guilty. So yes, the evidence did speak for itself. There was one or two who didn't agree, probably just out of pity for the family. Again, blame the pd for everything, that makes you feel better obviously. But the truth is what it is - and Vicky's ticket is all you still have - which was deserved. And that has been beaten to death - let it go. "

steve wrote on Sep 27, 2008 4:09 PM:

" Undeniable Truths: Your the epitome of the blind moronic hatred too many in this community seem to have for people in authority. "

Explain wrote on Sep 27, 2008 3:16 PM:

" Can someone, maybe a juror or two that have posted here, explain why the parents get any monies at all? Ryan is not and was not a minor at the time. "

Undeniable truths wrote on Sep 27, 2008 3:15 PM:

" It is an undeniable truth that when someone is found to be 18% guilty that they are guilty. No amount of ignoring of that fact will change that fact. Guilty is Guilty. The police and city were found to be 18%. The sad part is that the jury did do what it should have to ensure this does not happen again, access 18% to the citizens.
Only then will we see the outrage by the people to force the needed reforms.
I guess we not have more than Vicky's ticket, the magistrates censure, the police abuse video and declining tourism to show the police need reform. "

hmm wrote on Sep 27, 2008 12:33 PM:

" Just so you know Ryan is not that bad off, he for sure can sit at Neighbors gas station and smoke all day. "

Ryan wanted to be a pilot Oh good god no wrote on Sep 27, 2008 8:52 AM:

" It obvious he an alcohol problem. The FAA would never license him. He wrecked his career potiential himself long before he wrecked his car. Can't blame the PD for his future loss of job prospects! Attorneys - blood sucking lying leaches. "

tweety62 wrote on Sep 27, 2008 8:12 AM:

" This is very sad. The parents are going to have to care for this child the rest of his life. I am not saying it is our problem. He made the mistake of not stopping for the police. If more parents would talk to their kids about what can happen in drunk driving cases. Why do they want to lower the drinking age next year this would only put more kids in the same situation. I agree with the people who say the police where only doing there job. They were protecting others from being harmed. He could have stopped and this would have never happened. And who is to say that he would have ever become a pilot. "

Dee wrote on Sep 27, 2008 7:50 AM:

" Some of you are awful quick to judge. Did any of you think maybe the jury found something in the evidence.
Unless we talk to the jurors we will never know what it is they found that made them give the decision they did. Obviously, they must of found something for them to give the verdict they did.
Don't be so quick to judge them, how many of you would have gave up your lives to sit on a jury much less for 4 weeks. I know that I wouldn't want to, but would if I had to. "

Another annonymous juror wrote on Sep 27, 2008 7:23 AM:

" First of all, to those of you who are making negative statements about the jurors in this case, you should be ashamed of yourselves. We were neither morons nor confused. When 10 strangeers come together, hear the same testimony and in the end, 9 agree, I wouldn't call the jurors morons, I would instead say, "justice has been served". When you have a 10 person jury you have to come to a consensus, so the 82/18 was a consensus. Many of us felt the City was at 0% fault. You also have to understand that the total award of $1.3 million for the Meehan parents was then reduced by 82% and then again by 90% because Ryan wasn't wearing a seatbelt which allowed him to fly out of the vehicle and hit his head in the rollover which is the cause of the majority of his injuries. While I feel much compassion for the Meehan family, Ryan broke no less than 4 laws the night of the accident (drunk driving at a .24 blood alcohol level--3X the legal limit--speeding, fleeing the police, and failure to wear a seatbelt) and you don't reward someone for breaking laws. That in my mind is "moronic". The jury sent a strong message in our final determination and that is you must take personal responsibility for your actions and you can not blame a police officer who pursued for 64 seconds (less than a mile) and say they were the cause of your negative outcome. Come on people, when poor consequences are suffered you can't always turn around and blame somebody else. I also was a juror that said that the family and Ryan should not be compensated at all for the poor decisions Ryan made that fateful night, but again, it was a consensus and that is what a 10 person jury is all about. I also learned after the trial was over that Ryan has had his medical bills paid by AHCCCS and that he has been receiving Social Security payments monthly (again a taxpayer expense)--so he has received his compensation as far as I'm concerned. Additionally, what about the family whose son could have been killed had the car struck him when it flew into his bedroom? What about the pedestrians on the street that night that could have been killed by Ryan's eradic driving? What about the police officer and his family that have been taken through hell as a result of this ordeal? I hope that any of you are called for jury duty in the future to do your civic duty will not be criticized for the difficult decisions that you will be called to make. As far as I'm concerned, the system works and this case proves it! "

Butch wrote on Sep 27, 2008 7:07 AM:

" Student of Law: Where did you get Ryan's injuries were that bad? You're making him sound like a walking vegetable! Typical attorney, make the wild accusations of the clients conditions and then build a defensive case around it. When that doesn't work, attack the messenger. Get your facts, Ryan is not incapacitated. His future earnings as a commercial pilot are again exploded out of realistic boundaries. Just because one studies to be an EMT does not entitle him to the earnings of a Brain Surgeon because he suffers an injury precipitated by his own doing. I still find your writings humorous but your pseudo intellect posturings are becoming rather annoying. The Jury did a commendable job! And every time it doesn't go the way of the plaintiff, there will generally always be an appeal-normally unsuccessfully. "

MN wrote on Sep 27, 2008 5:51 AM:

" A lawyers commission is usually 1/3. "

Student of law wrote on Sep 27, 2008 5:43 AM:

" desertrat- I will just concede and agree with you, the DEFENSE attorney in this case twisted and manipulated the facts to deny his client's responsibility? Agreed?
James- I would doubt the attorney is going to take any of that. In fact, most of the time in personal injury cases, the attorney does the work on a contingency basis. "

Viewer wrote on Sep 26, 2008 10:03 PM:

" Student of Law: Sounds like you're trying to be a Legend. Unfortunately you're a legend in your own mind and no one else's. "

james wrote on Sep 26, 2008 8:50 PM:

" So the family gets 25,000 and I assume the too bit lawyer will take most of that. I still say the ten sitting of the jury were total morons. There should never have been any award period.. OJ could use the same Jury in Vegas.. "

Desertrat wrote on Sep 26, 2008 8:33 PM:

" I never said there would be criminal charges in this case. The statement was general to defense/plaintiff attorneys. Can you read? A lawyer is the one who is making money, and by blaming someone other than his client, he will make more money. Those 'others' just happen to be police in this case. So, still semantics. Blame the police, get more money. End of story. "

Student of law wrote on Sep 26, 2008 7:25 PM:

" Desertrat- THERE WILL BE NO CRIMINAL CHARGES, therefore, the only defense attorney in this case will be the city's attorney. Can't you people read? Ryan is incapacitated. Has no memories, is completely brain injured. It is called incompetent; if one can't understand the charges against them, there will be no criminal charges.
Bill- Tom is right. There were damages as long as there are hospital bills and there is a need for future care. The jury doesn't get to say damages don't exist just because they don't like the case, or the Meehans, or in the jury foreman's case, the attorney. They found the city 18% at fault. There has to be significant medical bills from the accident, he nearly died. Therefore, it requires an acknowledgment that there are damages, then to move from there at allocation of fault.
Sorry, folks. Sounds to me like the jury did not understand their duty or how the system works. The verdict alone is a basis for appeal, it is clear it was made by people who were confused. "

joke if it was not true wrote on Sep 26, 2008 6:54 PM:

" What do you call a police department found 18% guilty? GUILTY. "

Bill wrote on Sep 26, 2008 12:30 PM:

" Tom: Apparently Richards couldn't prove the damages exceeded the $500K - 600K mark. Hmmm, like I said before, attorneys don't challenge the facts they find a way to skirt around them to seek payments for services and their clients. James made an entry of what is 5000 attorneys at the bottom of the sea? A good start!
Tom you sound like the "student of law." And he was messed up too. "

Desertrat wrote on Sep 26, 2008 12:14 PM:

" Student - I meant the plaintiff's attorney. Who, when criminal charges are ensued, is the defense attorney. It is all semantics, bottom line, he is making a bundle by accusing the police. "

Tom wrote on Sep 26, 2008 10:00 AM:

" While I know being a juror can be a difficult job their decision has led to an error that will be appealed. With special damages over $600K and general damages in the millions their first job is to figure the gross value of his claim. Then they apply the percentage of fault and reduce that value. He should have been awarded 18% of his total damages. An appeal of the award will be made by the plaintiff attorney. "

Anonymous Juror wrote on Sep 26, 2008 9:30 AM:

" Student of Law, You had to be there to hear it all. You just can't read the policy of police persuit and stop there. The case was about more then just that. Also you cannot just go by what the newspapers have printed.
We had days and days of evidence presented to us. Not just the police persuit policy.
As for emotions, when it came right down to it, we all had to put them in check. We could not let them cloud our judgment. I feel sorry that this boy was hurt,yes. But if he would have just stopped for the police, he may have just suffered a DUI and speeding ticket rather then physical injuries (that's my opinion only, I will not speak for the others). It was his choice. "

Bill wrote on Sep 26, 2008 7:45 AM:

" Congratulations to the Jury and City. These issues can become rather emotional rather than logical in deciding the fate. It is sad that circumstances as these arise within a community. As a society within any community, ensuring that every one's rights are protected is in part, accomplished by laws. Failure to abide by those laws is not reason to find reward. Sadly, some attorneys may seek a way around the laws; profess actions by the police in violation of policy or law, led to the injuries or death of the violator (suspect). This one didn't work for a myriad of reasons, part due to truth being the stronger messenger. Ryan and his family must get on with their life and like most of us, make the best of it. We all reach for the "Golden Ring" of opportunity at one time or the other. The Mehann family missed on this one but pause not, someone else will try again for the Golden Ring windfall a lawsuit may bring. After all, that's how a lot of attorneys get rich isn't it? "

Anonymous Juror also wrote on Sep 25, 2008 9:46 PM:

" Well said!!. I thought WE ALL did a great job in what we did. 10 people who never had seen each other before but some did become friends out of this whole ordeal. If you were not there to see, hear and read all the testimony and evidence. Please don't judge the jurors for our decision "

Student of law wrote on Sep 25, 2008 9:42 PM:

" Desertrat- the defense attorney would have been the city's attorney in this case. I agree with you on this instance, of course this particular defense attorney would say their client didn't do it. Also, this was a civil trial, not a criminal one. The issues are not combined.
So, anonymous juror, I'm curious. I'm studying police pursuit cases and would be interested in your views.
You say on one hand that you the jury found that the city is 18% liable. However, did Meehan have no medical bills whatsoever? Is there no long term cost for his care? It is my understanding his injuries are quite extensive. How were you able to say there were $0 in damages when there clearly were? "

bp wrote on Sep 25, 2008 7:32 PM:

" Explain what 18% was the city at fault. "

Jim wrote on Sep 25, 2008 6:07 PM:

" Its over-Mehans 25k, Ryan nothing- Oh I'm sure they will appeal and try again after all thats what attorneys are for......... "

Anonymous Juror wrote on Sep 25, 2008 5:55 PM:

" Well, it is finally over after 4 weeks of giving up our own lives to resolve this issue. And I have waited till now to get a chance to read what the citizens have wrote about the case. And in reading some of the comments on the articles, I have been enlightened, confirmed and even felt insulted by some of the comments made.
We sat, we watched and we listened to all the testimony and evidence given. On phase 1 we came together as a whole with our verdict. If you were not there to hear it all and to review all the evidence then you should not judge our decision. In phase 2 everyone had their opinion and each was expressed. Needing only 8 out of 10 to agree on a verdict, 9 of us came to a decision. Although I am very sorry that one of us did not agree. They are a wonderful person and are entitled to their opinion.
I feel that our verdict was fair and just. Ryan was at fault 82% and we held him accountable for his actions. His parents are the ones who have suffered because if it. The city was 18% at fault and we have held them accountable.
So like I said in the begining, if you were not there to see, hear and read all the testimony and evidence. Please don't judge the jurors for our decision. "

Desertrat wrote on Sep 25, 2008 5:43 PM:

" Those blaming the police: What do you think a defense attorney (who is getting paid big bucks) is going to say? It is all my client's fault, he was in the wrong. Of course not, he is going to say whatever he can to get money for his client. Unfortunately, that means blaming the police -something criminals are all too happy to do. "

welcome ot reality wrote on Sep 25, 2008 2:36 PM:

" Annon I doubt your statment in total. You sound like a typical person who wants to shielf the police for it's irresponsible behavior.
Confused-welcome to the US Court system. It stinks, but the case against the police was found with merit and so they must pay thier own expenses. However, if the council had hired people who held the police accountable, like city judges who do not automatically rule in favor of the police that allows them to get away with anything, this may not have happened. Get used to losing lawsuits when the police are involved. "

live in the area wrote on Sep 25, 2008 2:33 PM:

" It's a shame but: Grow up and get over your self. Our police department is not corrupt nor is our court system. Judge Clyde didn't have anything to do with the case. Your so quick to judge our police and court system on paper bet your not bold enough to say what you feel to the police chiefs face about how crrupt you claim his department is. Some day your gonna need our police officers and the sad thng is they will respond to help you an others who do nothing but bash them.
Why don't you go to the department and show what proof you have? Oh duh thats right you don't have any. "

Robbie Responsibility wrote on Sep 25, 2008 12:18 PM:

" People it's called "personal responsibility"! If he would have pulled over instead of flying down the road..never would have happened. Because he's a fool and now a cripple...we are supposed to feel sorry for him? Why should he get anything for his injuries? If you blame the cops for this that would be an ignorant rant! You bleeding hearts make me ill!!! "

CONFUSED wrote on Sep 25, 2008 11:48 AM:

" SINCE MEEHAN WAS FOUND TO BE 82% RESPONSIBLE, WHAT COMPENSATION IS THE CITY GOING TO RECEIVE FROM THE FAMILY FOR THIS ACCIDENT? POLICE OFFICER WAGES, COURT TIME, FILING FEES/ ATTORNEY FEES FOR THE CITY, ETC. ARE NOT FREE. WHY SHOULD TAX DOLLARS HAVE TO PAY FOR THEM ANNNNNNDDD A SETTLEMENT FOR HIS FAMILY? "

annonomysdude wrote on Sep 25, 2008 10:45 AM:

" I recently was in an accident that left me with lifelong injuries. I deal with a body that doesn't work the way it did before, and never will again. The accident was my fault. It was my poor judgement that put me this way. I suffer the consequences. That's it. No one else made me make any poor choices. I did it on my own. I deal with it on my own. That's just the the way it is. It wasn't the fault of any of you out there, so why should you pay for it? "

what wrote on Sep 24, 2008 5:08 PM:

" what proper procedure did the police not follow?they were chasing the idiot cuz he was drunk and wouldn't pull over.this is not the citys fault or the cops fault.it is ryan meehans fault.he brought this upon himself and we should not have to pay for it. "

taxpayer wrote on Sep 23, 2008 7:28 PM:

" Why should the taxpayers suffer because an individual made poor choices. It makes no logical sense. Whatever happened to self responsibility? "

it is a shame but wrote on Sep 23, 2008 7:15 PM:

" This is what happens when the police do not follow proper police procedure. Get used to Havasu. It happens alot here with this department thanks to a reckless oversight that continues to rule in favor of police in criminal court. This makes the police feel free to violate the law and opens the city up to civil liabilities. Congrats Havasu! You are now in the same catagory as Chicago and its corrupt police and local courts. "

taxes wrote on Sep 23, 2008 6:18 PM:

" how much more can the public take in all of these gimme scams? you can tax us to death but if we have no more money it won't do you any good. you can't get blood out of a turnip! "

AMERICA wrote on Sep 23, 2008 3:45 PM:

" I also feel very bad for the family. It really is not their fault, but their son is the one who made every decision that fateful night. They can help him or disown him. I don't know if the son has medical insurance, but they should be paying first. I don't think our taxes should have to pay for his mistakes. I know that sounds heartless, but just how much burden should taxpayers have? "

sweethart wrote on Sep 23, 2008 2:42 PM:

" I feel really bad for the family and what they are going to have to endure for the rest of their lives. But, this is another case of "we the people"
bailing someone out again. This is how our government does things. We all must suffer the consequinces of our actions. Not everyone that suffers is the one committing the crime. That is the lesson that should be taught to others. "

Agreed. wrote on Sep 23, 2008 1:00 PM:

" Well said David B.

There's nothing more to argue. "

LORI wrote on Sep 23, 2008 12:50 PM:

" I TOO FEEL BAD FOR THE FAMILY BUT I THINK THE RESPONSIBILITY DOESN'T LIE WITH THE CITY. HE BROKE SEVERAL LAWS AND WASN'T WEARING A SEATBELT. I ALSO DO NOT THINK FUTURE EARNINGS OF A PILOT COULD BE COUNTED. NOBODY CAN SAY FOR SURE IF THAT IS THE CAREER HE WOULD HAVE ACTUALLY CHOSEN. AND I KNOW OF NO JOB IN LAKE HAVASU CITY THAT WOULD JUSTIFY THAT KIND OF MONEY OVER 40 YEARS EVEN. MY HEART DOES HOWEVER GO TO THE PARENTS. MY SONS ARE 5 AND 2. AND I AM SURE WHEN THEY ARE 30 I WILL STILL SEE THEM AS LITTLE BOYS THAT PLAYED WITH HOT WHEELS AND SPIDERMAN. I WILL PRAY FOR THEM. "

SOOOO wrote on Sep 23, 2008 12:14 PM:

" So WE are supposed to pay for that? Go home! "

Heartless wrote on Sep 23, 2008 12:10 PM:

" My heart goes out to the other drivers on the road that day and the police dept. for having to risk their lives in this situation. "

Family heartache wrote on Sep 23, 2008 11:19 AM:

" My heart goes out to the family, truely this is very tragic. However, there are many families who are in the same situation due to another member making bad choices, drinking and driving and running from the police does not make it Lake Havasu City's responsibility. "

Dont drink ever think of that wrote on Sep 23, 2008 9:03 AM:

" This sounds a little like the Wall Street bail out, money for breaking the laws of the land. To bad he wasn’t a state representative he would have got a medal and money. What happen to personal responsibility for your actions? "

David B wrote on Sep 23, 2008 7:51 AM:

" No seatbelt, drunk and running from the police = NO MONEY! Why should Lake Havasu City have to pay for his mistakes! "

Sad but wrote on Sep 23, 2008 4:30 AM:

" I feel the parents' and others' pain, but the accident was the result of Ryan making bad decisions from the get go. And how can you claim future compensation as a commercial airline pilot when you were in training as a private pilot? Many people get their private pilot's license and go no further. I don't think the city should have to pay all these damages or even part of them, however, I have no emotional ties to this case. "

live in the area wrote on Sep 23, 2008 3:55 AM:

" You can not say Ryan has a loss of 2 to 3 million in wages of a job he never ever had. Yes he went to school to become an airline pilot and I'm sure that was a dream he wanted to come true. That does not mean he would of been hired and yes I know it doesn't mean he wouldn't of been hired. Even if he did get hired as a commerical pilot how can you know for sure he would of retired as a pilot? He could of decided to take a different career path some time down the road. This is a very tragic cituation and I do feel for what his family is dealing with and wouldn't wish this on anyone. You can't expect the officer or even the city of Havasu to pay 3 million dollars for something that was so preventable. I hope if the city is stuck paying for any of this that this will be a lesson to many as what NOT to do. The insurance company has got to pay out some of this money. "

james wrote on Sep 22, 2008 11:32 PM:

" You know what you call five thousand lawyers at the bottom of the ocean? " A good start." "

Bummer Deal wrote on Sep 22, 2008 11:04 PM:

" I feel really bad for this family. But...the family is reaping what the son sowed. The citizens of this city should not have to pay for someone who was too irresponsible to be driving after having some drinks. So sad for the dad and family. Really sad for the guy, one bad decision and now he is never able to live a full life. But those are his actions that put him in the situation to harm himself and others. This case should be explained by parents to every kid and teenager in this city. This is what bad decisions can bring to yourself and your family. I'll be saying a prayer for that dad before bed tonight, poor guy. "

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