Posted on 09/27/2006 11:45:29 AM PDT by Borges
A former handyman from North Providence who won more than $400,000 in a lawsuit over a malfunctioning penile implant may not get the money after a judge dismissed his claim.
Superior Court Judge Edward C. Clifton on Monday granted a request by the implant manufacturer's insurer to dismiss Charles "Chick" Lennon's claim, which his lawyers say will amount to $1 million with interest included.
The implant has caused Lennon to have an erection for 10 years.
The medical device maker's insurance company, National Union Fire Insurance Company, argued that since the device's now-defunct manufacturer, Dacomed Corp., can't be held liable for the device, it can't, either.
Lennon's lawyers responded on Wednesday, saying that the Rhode Island Supreme Court affirmed the award and made it clear the insurer has to pay it.
Lennon received the steel and plastic implant in 1996, about two years before the impotence drug Viagra went on the market. The Dura-II is designed to allow impotent men to position the penis upward for sex, then lower it.
But Lennon, 68, said he can't position his penis downward because the device is faulty, causing him pain and embarrassment.
"I'm suffering with it right now," he told The Providence Journal during a recent interview. "It never stops. It's like a constant headache."
In 2004, a jury awarded him $750,000. Clifton called that excessive and reduced it to $400,000. In June, the Rhode Island Supreme Court affirmed that award.
Dacomed had maintained that nothing was wrong with the implant. It filed for bankruptcy after the lawsuit was filed.
You know anything about this?!
Bill Clinton is in a jealous rage knowing he'll never beat that record. I am sure he TRIED like he tried to get Osama.
Bookmarking for further laughs!
No, that would be the wife with the constant headache.
And the reason he hasn't had it removed in 10 yrs??
Talk about a hard luck case.
I try my darndest to avoid the penis threads. these are for the freeperetttes.
hold muh beer!
Things are looking down for him lately.
What are they talking "former handyman"?
If you have an erection lasting longer than 4 hours seek immediate medical attention
Bob: Pepper.
This erection was rigged!!
LOL
Say, anyone know the name of the doctor who did the implant? I am just asking out of curiosity, you understand.
I guess he is going to get stiffed.
/can't stop myself
It's got to be really hard, being in that position.
Good for you!
I suffered for years with that condition then I head about marraige...
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