Grave Robbing?
Dorothy VerValen, of Kalispell, Montana, has filed a negligence suit against the city of Sultan, Washington. VerValen claims that when she went to visit her grandfather's grave at Sultan Cemetary she sank down onto what remained of the 53-year-old coffin, fracturing her left foot. At the time, VerValen weighed 375 lbs. Robert Butler, the lawyer representing VerValen, accuses the city of "know[ing] sinkholes happen, especially in pre-1960 graves" and that they are "not doing anything to prevent it from happening." Diana Blakney, who represents the city of Sultan, challenged Butler's accusation that it is the city's responsibility. Citing the state Recreational Use Act and claiming since the cemetery is open 24 hours and does not charge a fee, the city believes visitors are "generally responsible" for their own safety. VerValen is seeking unspecified damages for "injuries, legal costs and emotional distress."
—Source: OregonLive.com
