(Florida) Justices rule for fishermen

[Robbien]

Source: AP

TALLAHASSEE - Commercial fishermen can recover economic losses caused by polluters, the Florida Supreme Court ruled Thursday in a decision that could establish precedent for future claims against BP.

The justices unanimously ruled that fishermen can seek such recoveries under state law even if they don't own any property damaged by the pollution.

By a 5-1 vote, they found damages also are allowed by common law.

The decision does not apply to seafood distributors, restaurants and other businesses that sustain economic losses due to pollution.

. . .

"This establishes that under Florida law that commercial fishermen, even though they don't technically own the fish when they're swimming around, have a protectable interest in the fish because they're licensed to go out and catch 'em," Pope said. "That's the way they earn a living."

Read more: http://www.newschief.com/article/20100618/NEWS/6185040/1053

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No wonder BP wants all suits bundled together and tried in Texas.

[underpants]

1. Corporations love "economic losses" with no punitive damages

Economic losses are your wages to the age of 65 (retirement) less taxes less expected expenses (mortgage, healthcare, etc.)

[quakerboy]

2. Are you saying this from personal knowledge, or cynicism?

As to the specifics of your formula, I mean. I would assume you still have to pay taxes on money received from a judgement, in which case why would you get to subtract that. Same for the other costs mentioned.

[underpants]

3. Your and my wages less expenses even to retirement are pennies to large corporations

I am saying this from personal knowledge

[quakerboy]

4. That part I agree with, with no reservations

Although they would prefer not to part with even those pennies.