Cruise passenger awarded $21 million for a bang on the head.

A Springfield man (and no, it’s not Homer Simpson) was awarded more than $21 million last week by a federal jury in Washington state after he sued over being hit in the head by an automatic sliding door on a Holland America Line cruise in 2011.

$21 million!

James Hausman, said Wednesday that he has experienced dizziness, fatigue and memory issues, which he attributes to being hit by the door four years ago.

He said he used to be able to handle a dozen different tasks at once, and now he struggles with completing one. Hausman sold his business last year, a move that stems from the remaining effects from the 2011 injury, he said “I couldn’t do it anymore — the stress, the multitasking.”

A man who can’t multitask….I know what you’re thinking (ladies)!

Hausman, his wife, Carol, and their daughter were on a Holland America cruise in 2011, following some crew members through two sets of heavy automatic sliding glass doors. The open doors began to close, hitting Hausman in the temple and the side of the face.

Carol Hausman said “He was dazed,” she said. “There was a cut, and there was some blood, but you don’t think about it being as serious.”

The couple continued on their cruise holiday but Hausman still felt woozy. He was later diagnosed with a concussion and post-concussion syndrome. He’s also since developed a seizure disorder and avoids certain types of stimulation that could act as a trigger.

She said last week’s verdict was “validation for what we have gone through, and that it really should never have happened in the first place.”

Fair point but $21 million!

She added “we will have the same conversation two days in a row, and he won’t remember talking about it the day before”.

Honestly, if I had $21 million for every time I wasn’t really listening to my wife I’d be a very rich man.

So in summary, if you are a man, can’t do more than one thing at once and don’t pay attention to your wife – put your claim in NOW, you’ll be rich beyond your wildest dreams!

What do you think of the award? How on earth did the jury arrive at the figure of $21 million? As a man do you feel you may have a valid claim?!

Bye for now.