In a lawsuit, the plaintiff — or injured person — can recover something called “damages.” Damages is money claimed by a person as compensation for a loss or injury. There are various categories of damages a person can seek. In the context of a personal injury, different damages categories include: • Economic Damages — medical bills, lost wages, and other out- of-pocket expenses • Non-economic Damages — pain and suffering, loss of use and enjoyment, impairment or disability • Punitive Damages — compensation the defendant must pay as punishment • Property Damages — destroyed property such as a vehicle Some categories of damages are subject to what are called “damage caps.” A damage cap is where a state law exists saying that a person can only recover a limited amount for a particular damage category. If a damage cap exists and a jury awards the person more than the capped amount, for example, a judge would be required to lower the damages. HOW DAMAGE CAPS IMPA THE LIMITS OF C
The tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011 was unimaginable; the natural disaster killed nearly 20,000 people in minutes. But amid the chaos, there was at least one tiny miracle: an 11-year-old Shih Tzu named Babu. Tami Akanuma, an 83-year-old woman living in the coastal city of Miyako, had her typical morning interrupted by a 9.0 earthquake that shook her house roughly 200 yards from the coast. When it stopped, she breathed a sigh of relief, but Babu became extremely agitated. The small dog began frantically pacing around the living room, moaning, and jumping at the door. Though it was early for Babu’s morning walk, Akanuma decided to appease her. Sources differ on what happened next. Some say officials broadcast a tsunami warning, and Akanuma realized she must evacuate, while others state she knew nothing of the impending disaster. But everyone agrees that Babu jumped into action. She instantly headed for a large hill near Akanuma’s home — the opposite direction of the pair’s usual walk. Akanuma did not dismiss the dog’s instincts. Babu tugged urgently at her leash, running as far as she could before turning to her owner. Akanuma said Babu seemed to be encouraging her to move faster, and the dog ran ahead every time Akanuma caught up. Akanuma later estimated they walked more than half a mile in a few minutes. Only moments after the duo finally reached the top of the hill, they watched an enormous wave wash over their home. The house was destroyed, but Akanuma and Babu escaped with their lives. How did Babu do it? People have long suspected that animals can predict natural disasters, but the truth is elusive. Scientists agree that animals aren’t psychic but disagree on whether something else might be at play. Some attribute the supposed phenomenon to the “psychological focusing effect,” or a human tendency to emphasize one A Dog’s Intuition: HOW BABU SAVED HER HUMAN FROM A TSUNAMI
Here are just a few examples of damages caps that apply in Kansas and Missouri.
For many people, November marks the official beginning of the holiday season. Kansas City is in full holiday prep mode this month, with several different light shows, a holiday craft marketplace, and a tree lighting to boot. So, if you’re looking for holiday festivities, check out these three Kansas City events this month. The 13th Annual Holiday Boutique On Nov. 16–19, the Overland Park Convention Center will become the festive holiday marketplace of your dreams. Local artists will set up booths where you can shop for holiday gifts, decorations, and pretty much any other holiday-themed item your heart desires. Imagine every holiday store you love in one place, and that’s the holiday boutique! KANSAS CITY’S NOV SPARKLING LIGHTS, SHOPPING EXTRAV
detail in our memories while discarding others. But others point to dogs’ heightened senses of hearing and smell, suggesting animals may be able to detect small atmospheric changes that humans can’t.
The event runs from 10 a.m.–9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets for single adults are $16 at the door, $14 online, and children 12 and younger are free! You can learn more or purchase your tickets at KCHolidayBoutique.com .
No matter the explanation, Akanuma credited her dog with saving her life, and the two gratefully celebrated Babu’s 12th birthday from an evacuation shelter only weeks later.
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