Story Archive

The Real Victim

Sharlene Simon, 42, drove her SUV into bicyclists Brandon Majewski, 17, and Richard Esch, then 16, killing Majewski and leaving Esch, he said, with pain — physical and emotional — that will last the rest of his life. But it’s Simon who is suing Esch for emotional distress. She’s also suing Majewski’s parents and estate, along with Jake Roberts, 16, whom she knocked off his bike but didn’t seriously injure in the Innisfil, Ont., Canada accident. A lawyer for the Majewski family said he filed a “routine” lawsuit against Simon that insurance would have covered, but her lawsuit “has nothing to do with the insurance.” According to a police report, Simon had had a drink; tests showed the boys had no alcohol or drugs in them. Simon told police she was speeding and didn’t see her victims. But in her complaint, she says the young men “did not apply their brakes properly.” She wants C$1.35 million (US$1.08 million). (AC/Toronto Sun) ...I can think of someone else who needs to learn about applying brakes.