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Defense Lawyer Dies in Trial

By TChris, Section Law Related
Posted on Fri Apr 21, 2006 at 01:51:48 PM EST
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by TChris

This isn't the way most of us want to die.

RALEIGH, North Carolina (AP) -- A defense lawyer [Tom Farris] was arguing a drunken driving case when he fell on the courtroom floor and died of an apparent heart attack, officials and friends said.

It's becoming more common for defibrillators to be installed in public buildings, but neither the courthouse nor the rescue workers had one. It may not have made a difference, but it's sad that the county dragged its feet in making the purchase.

The county allocated money last year to buy the paddles but has been studying where they are needed.

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    Defense Lawyer Dies in Trial | 6 comments (6 topical)
    Re: Defense Lawyer Dies in Trial (none / 0) (#1)
    by roxtar on Fri Apr 21, 2006 at 02:45:51 PM EST
    Better than dying during a guilty plea, though.....

    Re: Defense Lawyer Dies in Trial (none / 0) (#2)
    by scribe on Fri Apr 21, 2006 at 02:46:39 PM EST
    It hard to say anything other than it's really sad this happened. It can rightly be said of him that he went out with his boots on, and that's doubtless honorable. But I think if he were available to answer, he would rather that the county have gotten the defib in place and given him the chance to go home, rather than the way his story ended. An attorney I once worked for suffered a major stroke while arguing a motion. "Fortunately", the county responded proficiently and the hospital was only a couple blocks away. He survived, but (in a very long, ugly story not to be recounted) his practice did not and he's pretty much unable to walk and doesn't speak or write well at all. Given the choice of only these outcomes, I might want to go out with my boots on.

    Re: Defense Lawyer Dies in Trial (none / 0) (#3)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Fri Apr 21, 2006 at 03:30:55 PM EST
    Man, there are so many lawyer jokes runnin through my head right now...but out of decency and respect I'll refrain.

    Re: Defense Lawyer Dies in Trial (none / 0) (#4)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Fri Apr 21, 2006 at 07:47:56 PM EST
    That's awful. I once thought I was having a heart attack in the middle of a trial, and passed out. Docs said it was a result of no sleep, food, or drink and too much stress. Humiliating, but not fatal.

    Re: Defense Lawyer Dies in Trial (none / 0) (#5)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Apr 22, 2006 at 07:52:49 AM EST
    Sad case. I suppose if they are like most firms they'll still have to bill the client for the full hour....

    Re: Defense Lawyer Dies in Trial (none / 0) (#6)
    by ltgesq on Sat Apr 22, 2006 at 07:34:28 PM EST
    Since Defense lawyers are almost exclusively sefl employed, no one should be surprised that a few drop dead during trial. Unless our spouse has health insurance, we are without health coverage. Most lawyers don't make enough to pay for health insurance or to restrict thier business when they aren't feeling well. I know of 4 lawyers who have died in court- either in trial or during a motion hearing. Since i have never seen a criminal defense lawyer retire, i am shocked the numbers are so low.

    Defense Lawyer Dies in Trial | 6 comments (6 topical)