A state appeals court ruled today that 911 operators and dispatchers are not immune from being sued for failing to perform their duties. The decision would have paved the way for the family of a slain Seton Hall University student to continue a lawsuit against the city of Newark, but the matter was settled before the three-judge panel issued its unanimous decision.
“This case has good precedential effect for potential acts of 911 operators who mishandle calls,” said Brian Levine, the attorney for the family of the student, Sohayla Massachi. Full story in Star Ledger.
Can we extrapolate now, and sue Judges for mishandled decisions, or politicians for mishandled laws? How about police officers for mishandled tickets? Or teachers, principals and any other figure…
Maybe now their attitudes will change also.
If people do not due their job properly they should be fired unless it is a criminal act I agree with #1 when do you draw the line
I meant do not due, sorry
the courts in N.J already ruled that a police officer is not responsible to protect you, its his job to try but if he doesnt you cant sue him. It comes out that a 911 operator has more responsibility than a police officer
TO anonymous says:
AUGUST 5, 2010 AT 9:03 AM
Maybe now their attitudes will change also.
Our attitude stays the same..We are not here to kiss and love you..we are to save you from harm…so thinking that we “owe you” something is not my job .We are here to serve and protect the public, while protecting my Police, Firefighters & EMS. So when you call just give us a little break..everyone we talk to is important, Every resident and public official that calls in gets the same respect..if you are upset about something I will talk to you, see if we can help. That is why we love what we do and where we do it. It is not just a job for us.
#6 It appears that speaking on attitudes is point on. Your guilt has gotten the best of you that it compelled you to defend yourself. Proof positive that you are problemmatic in your position. When I call I expect professionalism and “common” courtesy from whom ever im speaking with. My phone manners are as such and I expect the same in return. Instead I have recieved bad attitude poorly humorous short answers that are meant to belittle me and to top it off your co workers are chuckling in the background. Now I havent attacked your position and I know its vital for all. But if there are flunkys like you working in a vital position like a 911 operator then its apparent that management is asleep at the wheel and then it should be time to clean house. Bottom line people like you ARE a liability. Think about that next time you answer 911
Hatzalah dispatchers should be incorporated working in the police department dispatch room. This would up the standards needed. And save lots of money for us tax payers too. A win win option.