Nederland Toilet Seat Update

[Boiler 45,906]

Nederland man suing Home Depot in court

Dougherty seeks damages after he was glued to a toilet

A 58-year-old Nederland man who's suing The Home Depot on allegations he was glued to a toilet seat in the Louisville store nearly three years ago appeared before a federal judge in Denver on Friday.

Bob Dougherty and his attorney Mark Cohen are seeking monetary damages from the home-improvement chain for pain Dougherty says he suffered. Cohen said Friday's appearance was mostly procedural, with the judge announcing future court dates. He said the case won't go to trial until 2007.

"But based on discussions we've had, we're still pretty far apart," Cohen said.

Dougherty filed the lawsuit Oct. 28, alleging that after he became glued to the store's toilet seat, his calls for help were ignored. His lawsuit says store employees thought his pleas were a hoax, and eventually fire and ambulance officials had to unbolt the seat from the toilet while still attached to Dougherty.

As he was being wheeled out of the store on a gurney, Dougherty lost consciousness, and paramedics couldn't find a pulse. In their rush to flip him over, they ripped the seat from Dougherty's skin, causing abrasions.

Since the 2003 incident, Dougherty says he's suffered recurring nightmares, lack of sleep and a diabetic coma that psychiatric consultants credit to the toilet-seat incident.

Prior to litigation, Dougherty asked The Home Depot for $3 million. Cohen said his client isn't suing for a specific amount.

They're planning to use statements from store employees and several doctors during the trial. The deadline for submitting that evidence is Sept. 30, Cohen said.

Dougherty is scheduled to give a deposition in May. A conference is set for June 7, Cohen said.

Edited March 7, 2006 by Boiler

[keltic 1]

talk about... '####### happens'

[mercuryroad 0]

talk about... '####### happens'

Yeah, what a sh!tty thing to happen. This guy must be down in the dumps. @ss and you shall receive.

I wonder....was this a toilet seat on display? Why would his naked butt be on it?

[Kajikit 65]

The poor guy! If I got glued to a toilet seat and had to be hauled out of there in an ambulance, I'd be sueing someone too... but hadn't the guy ever heard of 'look before you leap'?

[almaty 19]

that chopf##k still trying to collect?

[CarolineM 0]

i think it's sad....what a humiliating situation