The aunt suing her nephew for a broken wrist claims she had 'no choice'
The US woman who attempted to sue her nephew for breaking her wrist said she had "no choice" but to sue the 12-year-old claiming she was "reluctant" in doing so.
An attorney for Jennifer Connell, 54, said their client had been "reluctant" to file the lawsuit, which provoked outrage on social media branding her as “the worst aunt ever”.
Jennifer Connell attempted to sue her nephew after he accidently broke her wrist. Photo: Facebook
Ms Connell's law firm, Jainchill & Becker, commented on the verdict and claimed the case was only about getting medical bill's by the homeowner's insurance company.
“Our client was very reluctant to pursue this case, but in the end she had no choice … Her hand was forced by the insurance company.
We are disappointed in the outcome, but we understand the verdict.”
The hug-gone-wrong happened back in 2013 when Sean Tarala jumped into his aunt's arms at his 8th birthday party in March 2011.
POS #JenniferConnell SUED her NEPHEW, whose mom died last year, AND LOST!! She asked for an escort! #ShameOnYou pic.twitter.com/4UGro8d42v
— QueenBee (@BooHagi93) October 13, 2015
News of the lawsuit drew extensive criticism on social media, with some Twitter users describing her with vulgar language and calling her "despicable."
The New York Daily News called the Manhattan resident "the auntie Christ" while several social media users criticised her testimony that her suffering included difficulty in holding an hors d'oeuvre plate at a recent cocktail party.
The scene of the crime. Source: Google
"Her hand was forced by the insurance company," Connell's lawyers said in the statement.
"Our client is being attacked on social media. Our client has been through enough."
The six-member jury deliberated for less than half an hour in Superior Court in Bridgeport before determining the Westport boy was not responsible for breaking his aunt's wrist when he greeted her by jumping into her arms.
The jury verdict against #JenniferConnell (less than 1/2 hour deliberating) restores my faith in the justice system and just makes my day.
— Philip B. (@FlipperB) October 13, 2015
Connell testified that when the child jumped on her they fell to the ground as she tried to catch him. She testified that the injury has made it difficult to walk up the stairs in her Manhattan apartment building, and that her social life has been negatively impacted.
The boy's mother died last year. His father, Michael Tarala, could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.
