Access Atlanta > Entertainment > Radio Talk > Archives > 2008 > September > 11 > Entry
9/11: Atlanta radio may change due to ratings measurement changes, Belinda Skelton Croc lawsuit backlash (UPDATE)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Before I get to the item at hand, I did want to point out my colleague Richard Eldredge’s Peach Buzz item on Belinda Skelton’s husband’s lawsuit against Croc shoes after her four-year son got the shoes caught in an escalator.
Given that her boss WSB-AM talker Neal Boortz has railed against frivolous lawsuits, some of his fans were not thrilled to see Skelton go after the manufacturer. (Your call on whether it’s frivolous or not). But Skelton notes that her son has suffered quite a bit and that she wants a warning placed on the shoe, that the money ($2 million) isn’t the focal point.
[I would have posted this earlier but was in flight. Anyway, i got this note from Boortz Thursday morning: :”My main point on these lawsuits is that we need a loser pays system. I do believe that if Belinda’s case doesn’t settle, and if it goes to trial and Crocs wins … Belinda should be responsible for their attorney’s fees.”:]
Anyway, here’s the main point of this blog entry: Atlanta radio may change significantly in the next year or two thanks to a major change in the way Arbitron tracks listening.
For decades, Arbitron measured ratings through paper diaries. They’d call you, ask you if you can track your listening for a week. You do so in 15 minute increments. .
But there are flaws to this system. People will sometimes convey loyalty to certain stations and indicate more listening than they actually do. They also don’t track as many stations as they actually listen. And there’s month to month volatility in certain demographics that are hard to reach, especially 18 to 34 year olds. Plus, since the valid ratings only come out once a quarter, it’s hard for stations to know what’s going on for weeks at a time.
So now Atlanta is about to switch to people meters (right). They look like little pagers but track actually listening. Some cities have already switched to this system, including Houston and Philadelphia. The early evidence shows that people don’t listen to as much radio as they claim in paper diaries. Instead of 19 hours a week, it’s more like 14 hours a week. Plus, people listen to about twice as many stations as they claim.
The people meter, for its flaws, have several advantages:
-Obviously, it’s more accurate than paper diaries since it’s real listening. There will be fewer unexplained fluctuations.
-With 1,335 or so people using a people meter at any one time in Atlanta, 112,140 days are tracked every quarter compared to 27,699 for diaries. That again means more accuracy for advertisers to judge where to advertise.
-Radio stations will get more information quicker so they can react faster, too. Monthly ratings will soon be available, rather than quarterly ratings.
-Arbitron is now reaching cel-phone only households. That’s a good thing for accuracy since more and more people don’t have land lines anymore.
And here are some conclusions so far:
-Some “ethnic” stations suffer. And so do those that rely on “time spent listening” vs. “cume.” In other words, stations that rely on fewer listeners who spend more time with the station might get hurt while stations that focus on ‘broad reach” do better. This might impact the likes of Praise and Viva, which have fewer, more loyal listeners vs. the Beat or B98.5, which have broader reach. Smooth jazz suffers quite a bit and many other cities have dumped the format in recent months. Some minority stations in New York City have grouped together to try to get the FCC to investigate the people meter. Arbitron defends the methodology, noting its greater accuracy and that the weighting is the same.
-Rock tends to do better. That could help the likes of Dave, Project, Rock 100.5 and the River. Oldies does better, too, which may be why it came back a few months ago at 106.7.
-There has been an impression morning radio draws more listeners. PPMs show that’s not necessarily the case, that listening is more consistent throughout the day.
We’ve already had quite a volatile year in radio since late 2007. With a slow economy, budget cuts and this new measurement system, the changes are likely to continue.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Michelle
September 11, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this
You know, I’m sorry her little boy got hurt, but damn, those croc things are NOT shoes!!!
By scott
September 11, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this
Belinda:
While you are at it lets put warning labels on cars, blenders, tv’s, boats etc. I have young children and a croc, a flipflop, a tennis shoe jammed in the escalator will do the same thing. I still tell my kids to be careful on escalators and they are 7 and 12.
WHAT A CROC BELINDA. The radio ads must not be paying enough.
By scott
September 11, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
Belinda:
While you are at it lets put warning labels on cars, blenders, tv’s, boats etc. I have young children and a croc, a flipflop, a tennis shoe jammed in the escalator will do the same thing. I still tell my kids to be careful on escalators and they are 7 and 12.
WHAT A CROC BELINDA. The radio ads must not be paying enough.
By scott
September 11, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
Belinda:
While you are at it lets put warning labels on cars, blenders, tv’s, boats etc. I have young children and a croc, a flipflop, a tennis shoe jammed in the escalator will do the same thing. I still tell my kids to be careful on escalators and they are 7 and 12.
WHAT A CROC BELINDA. The radio ads must not be paying enough.
By sam
September 11, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
Scott, when you post here, hit POST once.
That is all.
By dadder
September 11, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this
Why stop with Crocs. Why not sue the company that made the escalator for having a opening on the side which allows the shoe to get caught. Why not sue Hartsfield for allowing those dangerous escalators to be isntalled at all, why not just ahve stairs.
I’m sorry this happend to her son. If they get money for medical bills and some type of pain/suffereing, that’s fine. Two million is ridiculous. Also, as a parent of a child who had major surgery when they were five years old, in a few years your son won’t even remember the incident other than in vague terms.
If you didn’t work for Boortz he would be one of the biggest people screaming about “personal responsibility. Supervise your child…
Good luck and God Bless.
By saywhat
September 11, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
Belinda - I am very surprized at you - asking for $2M??? You and your husband have just now become the people that Boortz used to lampoon - those that are find an opportunity to grab as much money as you can. Though I feel sorry for your son - accidents happen - how many other millions of people wearing crocs has that happened to???? You have just become one of those money-grubbing liberals.
By Mel
September 11, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this
Belinda, you waited longer than I would have to file the suit. Good luck to you and a swift recovery to your son.
By randall
September 11, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
I would pray that you and your husband have a real peace and go ahead and do what you believe is the right thing to do. If were one my children or grandchildren I would go and fight like crazy to protect them and other people [i ware croc’s myself] from something that could harm them. God bless you and don’t ever give in to the one’s that are giving you a hard time. Stay strong..
By Clay
September 11, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
You gotta be kiddin’ me. Suing for $2 million because your son’s Crocs got caught in an escalator? There are inherent risks in riding an escalator. If Belinda and her husband didn’t teach their son to step off the escalator correctly then whose fault is that?
By dadder
September 11, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this
Why stop with Crocs. Why not sue the company that made the escalator for having a opening on the side which allows the shoe to get caught. Why not sue Hartsfield for allowing those dangerous escalators to be isntalled at all, why not just ahve stairs.
I’m sorry this happend to her son. If they get money for medical bills and some type of pain/suffereing, that’s fine. Two million is ridiculous. Also, as a parent of a child who had major surgery when they were five years old, in a few years your son won’t even remember the incident other than in vague terms.
If you didn’t work for Boortz he would be one of the biggest people screaming about “personal responsibility. Supervise your child…
Good luck and God Bless.
By kris
September 11, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this
I don’t understand the lawsuits over crocs getting caught in escalators. Can’t any shoe (flip-flops, sneakers, etc.) get caught in there? That’s why the warning sign says to keep feet away from the edges. If a kid can’t read, then his parents should be watching and warning the child. Come on, people, where is accountability and responsibility???!!!
By Ine
September 11, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
Warning about Croc’s and escalators has been around for YEARS. I don’t have children but know how badly the two mix. I have mentioned the fact to parents who have blown me off. As parent you must be informed. Obviously this family didn’t take the time. If I’m not mistaken I first heard about these injuries on Belinda’s own radio station. She must not listen to her own news shows.
By tom
September 11, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
BELINDA , YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR SON. NOT A MANUFACTURER OF RE-DESIGNED FLIP-FLOPS. WHAT A GREEDY IDIOT YOU ARE. GREED,GREED , AND MORE GREED. BORTZ NOT PAYING YOU ENOUGH?
By Really?
September 11, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
So its not about the money but child safety. Ok sounds great and admirable but in all of this no one has said what the warning should say or what we are going to warn children and parents of.
It seems a convenient out to say it is not about the money its about the children but not put any real information about what the dangers are.
By Mom
September 11, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
My kid has cerebral palsy and will ALWAYS use a walker and wear leg braces and has had multiple surgeries due to his disability. GET OVER THE DANG BROKEN TOES LADY. If you just want a warning tag, then sue for a warning tag. $2 million is a lot of money for a few broken toes, especially when it’s not about the money. Unless you plan to run right out and donate that money to CHOA, then you’re blowing smoke up everyone’s rear ends.
By My son too
September 11, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
My son got his foot caught as well about five days after this incident.
Luckily, he only had a small cut on one of his toes.
Don’t give Belinda CRAP about CROCS. If it was your child, you would think differently.
I hope she gets the $$$ so all of you h8ers can take it up the a**.
By jorge
September 11, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
i can’s say i would agree with the lawsuit. things like that happen all the time, no matter what you are wearing. you can’t blame the lady for being upset about her kid getting hurt, especially if he really can’t curl his toes. as a parent, i can relate. this is a fine line between parenting and a little pro active precaution on the part of the product manufacturer. but, honesty, they are shoes. they are close front, not like they are flip flops. so i can see why she would expect better protection from them. if the kid got mauled wearing open toed flip flops, ok mom, your screwed up. But this is a bit of a gray area.
By Susan
September 11, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
I totally support Belinda’s decision. My child almost lost the tip of his finger when he was small and it was a horrible expereince. No parent should have to experience this. If Crocs knew this was ocurring they should have warned people!
By Mom
September 11, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
My kid has cerebral palsy and will ALWAYS use a walker and wear leg braces and has had multiple surgeries due to his disability. GET OVER THE DANG BROKEN TOES LADY. If you just want a warning tag, then sue for a warning tag. $2 million is a lot of money for a few broken toes, especially when it’s not about the money. Unless you plan to run right out and donate that money to CHOA, then you’re blowing smoke up everyone’s rear ends.
By FedUp
September 11, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
There has been controversy over CROCS for years and there have been multiple “accidents” that have been blamed on these shoes. The mother put them on her four year old son knowing these shoes had a reputation for injuries. Most accidents are caused by lack of supervision or because the person is doing something lazy/stupid. Noone is to blame here except the mother who put these shoes on her childs feet and then caused the accident because she wasn’t properly supervising her son on the escalator.
By Allied Mom
September 11, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
Leave her alone. If it were your child, you’d do the same thing! Belinda- Stay strong and I hope your son is able to fully recover!
By jay
September 11, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
Maybe Neal can talk about her as a deadbeat “looking for free money”?
Can you spell “Tort Reform”?
By David
September 11, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
If you child under 5 walks in front of a car in your neighborhood, you as a parent are liable – no matter what happens.
This stupid woman wasn’t watching her precious son, and now seeks two million dollars for an injury that is far from traumatizing. He didn’t lose his foot, his toes, but got hurt – because his parents weren’t paying attention.
By Rick
September 11, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
Maybe DFACS should pay Belinda a call.
By jimmy
September 11, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
The funny thing about this is that Boortz and everyone else on the show would be against the lawsuit period if it did not include one of their own. Pathetic lawsuit. Pathetic parenting. That’s is why consumer warnings exist for these glorified flip flops. You and your family should stay put and not travel—don’t think you can handle this crazy modern world.
By Mom
September 11, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
My kid has cerebral palsy and will ALWAYS use a walker and wear leg braces and has had multiple surgeries due to his disability. GET OVER THE DANG BROKEN TOES LADY. If you just want a warning tag, then sue for a warning tag. $2 million is a lot of money for a few broken toes, especially when it’s not about the money. Unless you plan to run right out and donate that money to CHOA, then you’re blowing smoke up everyone’s rear ends.
By GaLiberal
September 11, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
See how quickly they turn on you? As you sow so shall you reap and you (and Big Mouth Boortz) have sown a lot of hate and vitriol. Just a perfect example of the law of unintended consequences.
When you vote Rethuglicon, you vote against your own best interests. And Neal Boortz is living proof.
By BethAtl
September 11, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
Yikes - Stupid and mostly useless security measures makes us take our shoes off to board an airplane. Parents put slip on shoes like crocs on their kids to make it easier to get through security. Try traveling with two active boys and carryon stuff and then you have to stop to help put tie shoes back on etc.
I support the actions against crocs.
By Joe
September 11, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
Belinda and her husband won’t be getting a dime of the lawsuit money if the suit is in her son’s name. I don’t think she’s being greedy at all. I’d do the same for my kids. I bet Belinda and her husband will be losing attorney’s fees, anyway.
By Steve
September 11, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
I think she should sue Al Gore. She’s a big supporter of Global Warming and I think that’s what caused her child to be injured.
By BUZZ22
September 11, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
People please crocs (should be called craps) are not shoes. just because they have a closed toe as mentioned earlier does not mean they are shoes that are to be worn out of the house unless you’re working in the garden or lounging by the pool. Bedroom slippers have a closed toe as well do you wear those to the airport? Would you allow your child to do so? Belinda is clearing suing just for the money but personally I think the mfg should counter sue on the grounds that she is a neglectful irresponsible parent. Her child should know how to walk and pick his feet up and if he don’t understand how to do this then he certainly should not have been wearing crocs. Take some time one day and watch how many people wearing these types of shoes don’t actually pick thier feet up and walk, most of them tend to slide thier feet and seemingly shuffle as they walk. Belinda and her husband failed as parents in this instance and they think that money is going to make up for it..what does the kid get $10,000 per toe? just for being broken?What a load of crap she is spreading..
By TK
September 11, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
Mr. Ho’s article was written to incite anger against Ms. Skelton and her husband. Might I remind him that karma can be a mean nasty beyotch too so you sir should watch your step. To all those who seem to delight in a 4 yo having a tragic accident, shame on you. I just can’t believe the depths that jealous hateful adults will stop to.
By Belinda is the fault
September 11, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
I am a listener to Neil Boortz’s show and personally agree with everything he says except on driving while talking on a cell phone; if you can’t multitask while driving don’t but don’t outlaw my behavior based on another persons actions. Now for Belinda, I don’t have kids and yet I’ve heard the reports of Crocs and escalators multiple times. I do not believe that Belinda did not know the risks. I do believe this is about the money for personal enrichment when the fault really lies with the supervising parent.
By Bob from Accounttemps
September 11, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
Well, someone (other than the parents) has to be responsible. I would add the good lord as a defendant - clearly he/she designed us poorly to have such fragile toes.
We always watch our kids on escalators so this doesn’t happen. Where were you?
By baloney
September 11, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
It’s not about the money? Then why even put a $$ amount on the suit? I never really liked her smart A** attitude anyway.
By Gary
September 11, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
If this was anyone else other than Mr. Boortz’s friend, he would be ranting about how irresponsible the parents of this little boy were and how these frivolous lawsuits are such a waste of time and taxpayers money. This is the same logic that is used when the extreme right try to explain how bailing out corporations is not welfare for the rich. Good luck America. Until the majority of citizens can figure this out for themselves, it is going to be a dark time for our democracy.
By Michael McCarthy
September 11, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
We all tend to hate lawyers and make jokes about them but if it weren’t for lawsuits many companies would provide much worse.
These shoes obviously should not be worn on an escalator and how would one know unless there is a warning tag and reports like this?
$2,000,000.00 seems like a lot but anything less would not even get the attention of the croc makers.
If this happened to my kid I would also be very angry. Thank God the kid didn’t lose his toes.
By Thomas Anderson
September 11, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
Belinda, you show bad judgement by mistaking flimsy plastic baubles for shoes, audacity in trying to extort $2M out of the item’s manufacturer, and cynicsm in claiming that the manufacturer needs to place warning labels on the CROCs.
As if a warning label would have prompted you not to give your kid the latest trendy fashion item.
Shame on you!
By Ben
September 11, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
When a person was injured wearing a particular type of shoe, one has to look at their own actions first. If the parents aren’t supervising their children to make certain they are not placing themselves in a dangerous situation then they have no one else to blame. Our society is too “sue” happy. You shouldn’t file suit because your angry at your own failure as a parent or the fact your child made a poor decision and placed himself in harms way.
By Beowulf
September 11, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
To the mom of the kid with cerebral palsy…I am sorry for the disability your child must suffer with. I had a good friend in college who had this horrible affliction, but you know what she worked thru it and never let it stop her.
Now to your utter insensitivity for anyone else, what gives? Are you so caught up in your victim mommy status that you can’t have compassion on others? BTW, if your child’s disability had been caused by an accident rather than (whatever causes cerebral palsy) then you would be suing the %&^#%&^ off of anyone you could. This is not a time for comparing injury levels, this lawsuit is about forcing a company to take responsibility for a faulty product. Perhaps the escalator makers should be included as well, but the incidence level of this particular type of footwear goes way beyond coincidence.
Also, they’re just plain ugly…
By Joyce
September 11, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
Parents are responsible for the protection of their children.The parents made a poor choice in buying the crocs and then in not supervising their four-year old son on the escalator. Children are not miniature adults. Parents must teach and guide their children in their growth and development.When will parents hold themselves accountable for such actions? No one forced them to buy the shoes. Make better choices and decisions as parents. Do not blame the company for your bad choices.
By KS
September 11, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
I am totally amazed that people feel the need to vent such negativity only to make themselves feel better! Obviously you are not making Belinda feel better so you are self-serving. Then again, why am I amazed??? You probably think you are “entitled” also. Belinda will rise above this as she is “quality”. Check your spelling and post once!
By Richard
September 11, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
The lawsuit is ridiculous. More care should be exercised when wearing those things. They can be dangerous but parents have some responsibility in this also.
By Tim
September 11, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
Neal, get you head out of the sand. It’s not you, it’s Belinda! She’s been over exposed for far too long and, people are generally over her.. Personally, I tune in to listen to you, not Royal, not Belinda! If I wanted to hear their opinions, they’d have their own shows, huh? As for the suit. I’d probably agree that she’s a spoiled, piece of country crap and it is about the money.. But after all did she not support Edwards?? When you’re in a hole, stop digging!!!
By Terri Hill
September 11, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
How can Neal and Belinda say that she had never heard of the problems with crocs and escalators? This exact subject has been part of the news stories on WSB 750, the radio station she works for!!!! Neal scolded his listeners for being ill-infomred this morning during his radio show. Maybe he should be scolding his staff!
By tj
September 11, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
sorry it happened to her son, but putting warning labels on the shoes? come on.
why don’t we just put a warning label on the birth certificate of every child born, “this little mass is totally dependent on you to protect him/her. he/she will inevitably get hurt, find trouble and cause serious mental strain. proceed with caution.”
sue god belinda.
By Katie
September 11, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
I guess it’s true - ignorance is truly bliss. You people are so full of hate and anger. Any money that will be awarded will go into her son’s name for his future. He quite possibly will have a disability for the remainder of his life. I guarantee that if this accident had happened to one of your children, you would be the first in line to file a lawsuit, and I bet the money wouldn’t go to your child, it would go directly into your bank account.
By Belinda is the fault
September 11, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
I am a listener to Neil Boortz’s show and personally agree with everything he says except on driving while talking on a cell phone; if you can’t multitask while driving don’t but don’t outlaw my behavior based on another persons actions. Now for Belinda, I don’t have kids and yet I’ve heard the reports of Crocs and escalators multiple times. I do not believe that Belinda did not know the risks. I do believe this is about the money for personal enrichment when the fault really lies with the supervising parent.
By Becky
September 11, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
Like others, I’m sorry that her childs foot is hurt..BUT why weren’t they watching this child?? I’m 46 years old & escalators have been dangerous all of my life, so did something change? I have 2 “adopted” grandchildren that are 6 years old & they have known since they first started walking that they have to pick their feet up at the beginning & end of an escalator..So tell it to someone else that it’s not about the money, because that may be your tale, but I sit on my tale…
By charles corley
September 11, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
Goooood morning / wouldn’t you feel secure having Neal standing behind you. His military record is ASTHMA. Belinda does Pay Day Loans so i’m not surprised and Don’t forget Mr. Plumber next time you need a plumber. Clark is sucking up to Sean so I guess he is next. AAmco.
By TG
September 11, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
I think Belinda is brave, and just looking out for her son’s best interest. I got injured at New Century Buffet in Decatur when I lost a finger on one of their chairs. It had 2 screws missing and the owner got up and stated in his deposition that the screws were simply loose and that he didn’t feel responsible, despite going to the hospital with me and acting as though he was concerned. This is AFTER his insurance company told me that the screws are missing. 3 years later his Peachtree Street attorney got the case dismissed based on the false statements he made. Now these folks don’t have to pay a thing. This is what she is going to face in filing this case and I can only hope she is more successful than I was. The folks that make Crocs have a lot more money than that restaurant in Decatur, so she’s got an uphill battle to fight just to get her son’s medical bills covered. You hear about these big lawsuits and think the people suing are just out for money. Some people are just trying to get compensated for what they have to pay to get their injury taken care of. No amount of money can compensate you for the pain you have to go through from an injury like this, and forget getting compensated for what the insurance company puts you through trying to get you to wait and not get an attorney. The insurance companies don’t place a lot of value on future expenses that might arise so you have to fight for your rights. Now I suppose you’ll jump on me for expecting a restaurant to pay for the fingertip I lost in a chair in their restaurant.
By Feeling Better
September 11, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
KS, please STFU. You are not entitled to feeling better about yourself by not taking responsibility for your children.
By Terry
September 11, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
Belinda works at a news station. There had been multiple reports much earlier of kids getting their feet damanged or caught in various devices while wearing crocs. How did Belinda being so child safety aware miss that. I do believe Clark Howard even did a spill on the crocs several months ago.By Kelly
September 11, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
Belinda,
I used to think you were HOT!
However, with the sheer STUPIDITY of this lawsuit, you look like your “white trash” relatives about which you are always complaining and speaking of disparagingly.
There is nothing “HOT!” about being a greedy airhead trying to look intelligent.
Please either commit suicide or have your tubes tied.
The Clothes of the Empress have now been removed.
By MAC
September 11, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
Please explain how it was the manufacturers fault the child got his feet caught in the escalator. I am saddened for the pain and suffering that the child and parents are experiencing. I can think of no reason that the manufacturer is at fault. I will withhold my complete opinion until I hear your rational explanation why the MANUFATURER is at FAULT! Please explain why it is CROCS fault! Our elementary school has banned crocs from being worn by the students due to the potential harm caused by them. They are not athletic shoes, they are rubber slippers, nothing more. How would a warning label prevent a 4 year old (who can’t read anyway) from getting their foot caught in an escalator? How would a warning label prevent a parent from getting their child’s foot caught in an escalator? Warning labels haven’t work for decades on cigarettes and millions of people die annually from them. Please explain why the manufacturer should pay $2,000,000 for your son’s pain and suffering! Please help me understand why it is the company’s fault.
By Terry
September 11, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
Belinda works at a news station. There had been multiple reports much earlier of kids getting their feet damanged or caught in various devices while wearing crocs. How did Belinda being so child safety aware miss that. I do believe Clark Howard even did a spill on the crocs several months ago.By JP
September 11, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
Give me a break. Crocs are for the pool, the beach, or on a boat. Parents shouldnt let their kids wear them as if they are real shoes. I dont let my kids wear them outside of the places I mentionaed above. Because they are not real shoes! Lets see plastic vs metal. Hmmm… I’m not an engineer and I didn’t stay at a Holday Inn Express but I am sure metal wins that fight.
Sounds as dumb as the McDonalds case because the lady didnt know coffee would be hot. Geez, it’s a sad sue happy society we live in. Take responsibility for your own actions or neglect. Wasteful litigation is one reason prices of products are driven higher and higher.
By Babs
September 11, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
There have been other incidents with Crocs (the ugliest shoes I’ve ever seen) and flip-flops. You have to watch your children at all times. When we were kids, mother would never allow us to try and enter or exit an escalator without her being sure we wouldn’t get hurt. I’m sure Belinda is a good mother, but you can’t blame, and shouldn’t sue others, for a moment’s negligence. As Neal will attest, way too many lawsuits going on, along with shirking personal responsibility.
By charles corley
September 11, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
Goooood morning / wouldn’t you feel secure having Neal standing behind you. His military record is ASTHMA. Belinda does Pay Day Loans so i’m not surprised and Don’t forget Mr. Plumber next time you need a plumber. Clark is sucking up to Sean so I guess he is next. AAmco.
By Country Mouse
September 11, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
There is no question Crocs are not safe on an escalator. They are made for the beach or swimming pool. A responsible parent does not need a warning label to know this, just a wee bit of common sense. Your child’s suffering is not the fault of the manufacturer, it is the result of your own inadequacy or inattention as a parent.Trying to pass the blame on to the manufacturer does not change that fact.
By UnYawn
September 11, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
Belinda, you and everyone other parent that shows this kind of total disregard for the warning signs posted, should be counter-sued for filing a frivolous claim based on your gross negligence.
DFACS should have been called.
By TG
September 11, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
I think Belinda is brave, and just looking out for her son’s best interest. I got injured at New Century Buffet in Decatur when I lost a finger on one of their chairs. It had 2 screws missing and the owner got up and stated in his deposition that the screws were simply loose and that he didn’t feel responsible, despite going to the hospital with me and acting as though he was concerned. This is AFTER his insurance company told me that the screws are missing. 3 years later his Peachtree Street attorney got the case dismissed based on the false statements he made. Now these folks don’t have to pay a thing. This is what she is going to face in filing this case and I can only hope she is more successful than I was. The folks that make Crocs have a lot more money than that restaurant in Decatur, so she’s got an uphill battle to fight just to get her son’s medical bills covered. You hear about these big lawsuits and think the people suing are just out for money. Some people are just trying to get compensated for what they have to pay to get their injury taken care of. No amount of money can compensate you for the pain you have to go through from an injury like this, and forget getting compensated for what the insurance company puts you through trying to get you to wait and not get an attorney. The insurance companies don’t place a lot of value on future expenses that might arise so you have to fight for your rights. Now I suppose you’ll jump on me for expecting a restaurant to pay for the fingertip I lost in a chair in their restaurant.
By nO-bama
September 11, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
Neal – love ya lots – but you’re dead wrong this morning. Anyone picking up a Croc should be able to notice that it’s super light weight, soft as a marshmallow, and easy on/easy off. But protective? Not a chance! And this is the fault of the shoemaker? They’re making and selling what WE WANT- but any parent with half a brain should realize that a soft foam shoe isn’t going to keep little piggies safe. Come on – common sense.
Oh – and I’ll also call BS on your “explanation” for doing the radio show. Say what you want, but your actions speak louder than words…I believe that your number one reason for doing it is MONEY. If it weren’t, you’d be Podcasting like Clark. But no (or maybe hell no!), you and WSB aren’t about to give away your precious advertising dollars (WSB doesn’t own Clark’s show – so they don’t have a say in his decision to Podcast). Thank goodness for live streaming – that’s how I listen to your show most days. I start the stream at 8:30, listen to my music for an hour or so, and then switch over to your show. This enables me to fast forward through the (WAY TOO MANY) commercials. Don’t get me wrong - I’m a capitalist who loves earning money too - but come on, call it like it is.
By Screws Missing
September 11, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
TG, the difference is that you are an adult who had a real accident, and Belinda’s child was a 4 year old on an escalator. She was responsible for his safety. She put Crocs on his feet and may as well have given him flip-flops.
But you do have one thing in common, you are both idiots.
By Listener
September 11, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
Boortz did a good job defending Belinda on his show from mean-spirited vicious attacks— by telling the other side of the story.
It’s too bad Boortz doesn’t let the targets of his own daily mean-spirited, vicious attacks a chance to tell their sides of the story on his show. That’s what infuriates people — Boortz’s hypocrisy.
If someone else other than Boortz’ staff-member had sued Crocs for the same thing, Boortz would have described the plaintiff as a money-grubbing, ambulance-chasing parasite on society who’s suing over a stubbed toe. The poor parents would have been subject to vicious ridicule over the air, hate-filled emails, and actual threats, but Boortz would never give them a chance to tell their side of the story.
By Al
September 11, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
Why would this be anybody else’s business?
I don’t blame them; go get them Belinda!
By KA
September 11, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Croc shoes have been put on notice by the multiple injuries across the country over the past years, and still they have done nothing to improve the design of the shoe to improve safety. I think the lawsuit is needed. Go Belinda and Clark!
By Freedom
September 11, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
I don’t think Belinda should sue the manufacturer. She was the one who made the decision to let her son wear those stupid shoes…..I think crocs are ugly. And they make little boys look gay when the wear them……..I will NEVER own a pair. They look gay on grown men too.
But then, I’ve never been one to follow the masses and do what all the sheeple are doing.
By Amazed
September 11, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
If it were anyone else, Boortz would be all over this one. I am amazed that a supposedly intelligent woman would allow her son to put his foot in the space between the step and the wall to begin with. When he gets his toe crushed, why would she be surprised? The child is too young to understand the danger, but the mother isn’t. It has nothing to do with what type of shoe he was wearing, or that he was on an escalator. He apparently has a very clueless mother. To sue for $2 million is absurd. Put the blame where it belongs lady. If you are really that dumb, stay at home.
By ScoJo
September 11, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Warning sticker? Ok, I can handle that…
But $2 million? AND you say that isn’t the focal point of the lawsuit? If it isn’t, then I look forward to seeing to which charity you donate the $2 million.
By Perdue
September 11, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
If you are a woman, don’t have kids, and you think Belinda is doing the right thing, please just cross your legs and DON’T HAVE KIDS.
By RedneckSkelton
September 11, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
It is amazing about the hypocricy. Belinda is really going for the money, this means she can stop saving for college. I remember something similar concerning baby seat injuries in auomobiles. 2 million is over kill. Every responsible parent prevents their child from this if they properly prepare from a mishap. As far as Boortz is concerned, this is just another to his list of hypocricy too. He criticizes over frivolous law suits and this happens. He criticizes over government schools and then he sends his daughter to one. He criticizes over people bullying in the blog. When he bullies people over the air. C’mon Neal, just because you cannot cut off someone (your unfair advantage) you can respond to these comments. You wont because you dont have the ability to use your advantage. Besides if you dont like the comments, you can turn the dial, uh, I mean turn the page.
By RedneckSkelton
September 11, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
It is amazing about the hypocricy. Belinda is really going for the money, this means she can stop saving for college. I remember something similar concerning baby seat injuries in auomobiles. 2 million is over kill. Every responsible parent prevents their child from this if they properly prepare from a mishap. As far as Boortz is concerned, this is just another to his list of hypocricy too. He criticizes over frivolous law suits and this happens. He criticizes over government schools and then he sends his daughter to one. He criticizes over people bullying in the blog. When he bullies people over the air. C’mon Neal, just because you cannot cut off someone (your unfair advantage) you can respond to these comments. You wont because you dont have the ability to use your advantage. Besides if you dont like the comments, you can turn the dial, uh, I mean turn the page.
By BackInTheUSSR
September 11, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
Please, Mr.Lawyer, save me from myself, from making retarded choices - like buying plastic shoes for my babies and expecting them to protect their feet like real shoes.
By ConcernedMom
September 11, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
Belinda, you have my full support. I was never a fan of Crocs because I never thought they were very comfortable. That is also why I never purchased them for my children. However, the shoes are proving to be very dangerous. I truly believe the company should put warnings on them. I know this is not about the money. However, a company will only respond to a lawsuit if a big number is thrown in front of them.
For everyone who made comments about warnings on cars, televisions and other products - there are warnings on them. Every time I put the sun visor down on my car there is a warning about not putting children in the front seat. Televisions and other household electronic products have warnings about them in regards to the electrical charge.
Finally, the Atlanta airport is taking this issue seriously. They put warning signs next to the escalators. Belinda just wants the Croc company to do the same thing. I think it is a very reasonable request.
There is another option, they can recall all of those shoes. When other products have proven to have problems, those companies put out warnings or do recalls.
So good luck Belinda! I wish your son a full recovery.
By otis
September 11, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
Belinda Skelton is nothing more than a hillbilly idiot who came to the big city, found Neal “Blowhard” Boortz and made it big. She is nothing more than a country twit. BS has been very lucky being taught be Boortz to do advertising for companies and reap the the high pay scale for doing it.
On the subject of motherhood, that is a different story. Any parent who would let their child wear a shoe that is not supportive of benefical design, is an idiot. Parents today rely of what the child wants instead of what the child really needs. Parents are afraid of backlash from the brat. BS should have known better than to get a pair of these shoes for a such a young child. BS was probably yacking on her cell phone when she and the kid was on the escalator at Atlanta Airport.
This lawsuit is a way for the blame to be shifted to the manufacturer of the Crocs product and instead of where it should lie. Crocs didn’t tell these kids to walk on an escalator and not be careful, but BS should have told the child to be careful.
The Skelton-Meyer family decided to fill a lawsuit and now it is time to take heat from all that walking and bitching. Mr. Meyer is a teacher at a school and he too, should have known better.
By Kathy
September 11, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
Belinda,
As a parent myself, I allow my 3 year old to wear Crocs, but as an educated person, I am fully aware of the risks and supervise my daughter on escalators and other places I think Crocs may make her footing not as safe. I can’t believe as a person who does what you do for a living that you were not already aware of the risks of Crocs and escalators, so why in the world do you think a warning label would have helped your situation? I feel badly for your son and that your family had to go through this, but honestly, this is a time to take responsibility for choosing to allow your son to wear Crocs and knowing the risks involved. This is an unfortunate accident, and not one to be blamed on Crocs. If anyone is to blame, I would look at the escalators being built since this is happening on escalators with many different types of shoes. Drop the lawsuit and focus your attention on taking care of your son.
By Jessica
September 11, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
Belinda,
Kudos to you for taking a stand. There does need to be a warning on the shoes! Some stores have put warnings on escalators, but that’s not enough! My son had his foot almost caught in an escalator due to wearing crocs. Thankfully, his grandfather yanked him up and it only ate the shoe and pulled the sock off his foot and ate it too. They are comfortable, easy to care for SHOES that we all love. But the shoe does need a warning attached.
Best of luck on your goals of having a warning attached to the shoe. It is a worthy cause.
By Mosell
September 11, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
All you that say crocs aren’t shoes. That’s your opinion. I wear crocs to work. No they are not the goofy looking shoes with all the holes in them. They are leather and have shoe laces. Bet most of you didn’t even know they made ‘em. As for the Crocs and escalators. As I said on a blog some months back. A news article reported there are 200 cases a year WOLRD WIDE. That’s 400 feet. In an article about Hartsfields fifth runway it was reported that in the previous year approx. 85 Million passengers were accomodated by Hartsfield. Thats 170 million feet not worldwide but just at Hartsfield. So 200 or 400 feet worldwide compared to just hartsfield “feet” is 0.000235% of the feet were hurt and that is if ALL cases world wide were at Hartsfield.
I’m not condemning Belinda for her lawsuit. She is doing what she and her husband feel is right by their son.
However to comdemn Crocs for a 2 in 235 million chance of getting a foot hurt (again if ALL cases were in Atlanta)is a little out there.
PS I wear crocs to work and ride 4 MARTA escalators and have done so for 8 months now. Never a problem.
By Gary
September 11, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
So sad! Not only do we have to put up with all the lawyers advertising on TV, but now we have people that we thought were respectable adding fuel to the fire. It just shows that we need tort reform so badly in this country.
Belinda, you and your husband should be ashamed!
By Cece
September 11, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
I hate her little boy was hurt… but this “shoe” has been in the news several times this year alone for having caused injury to kids… does she NOT read the papers or listen to the news? The irresponsible ones in this seem to be the parents. When kids are going anywhere with heavy or movable equipment they should have on “real” shoes… It’s not about what he wants he’s 4 years old! They screwed up now the Manufactuer should pay? If its not about the money if they win than donate it to a childrens shelter..
By PB
September 11, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
I saw the same thing happen many years ago on an escalator to a small boy who had on tennis shoes. I don’t think the actual Crocs were at fault because of the incident I saw many years ago. It could also happen with tennis shoes. The child was scrapping his foot along the side of the escalator and since it was a rubber soled tennis shoe, it didn’t scrape, and got caught, and so did his foot. Sad but true. I don’t think Crocs are at fault. Has anyone done research on how many times this has happened with other rubber soled shoes?
By Linda
September 11, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
9/11 - Patriots’ Day. And most of you have nothing better to do than to slam a parent who, along with her husband, is looking out for her son’s future. Do you realize this child has undergone two surgeries, is facing a third and a possible permanent disability? Do you realize that this lawsuit is in the name of the child and the parents would not get a dime of the proceeds that would be put in a trust for their son? Do you realize they will be paying for their own legal expenses as they fight for their son? Would you do nothing if your child were in the same accident and if your child asked you later in life when his disability prevents him from participating in sports: Mom/Dad, why didn’t you do anything?” The shoes are unsafe. The company knows they’re unsafe. The company should look past its profit-margin and take some responsibility.
By Leigh
September 11, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
If this company without a doubt knew that their product had the capability of maiming anc torturing innocent children, and they continued to produce this product, then they deserve any lawsuit that is brought forward again them. They sold a SHOE and wearing a SHOE while you walk on the floor, or an escalator, or an elevator, or a rug, or any surface, is the obvious appropriate use of a SHOE. I hope their are dozens of other lawsuits, and frankly, I don’t know why this injured family only sued for 2M. If this company had knowingly made a product and marketed it to children, when they knew of the possibilities and increasing reports of childrens accidents while wearing them, then I’d make sure they never made another shoe.
By Cathy B
September 11, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
Belinda, Don’t let those bitter, mean spirited excuses for humans get you down. Do the right thing for your child and all the other children who may be saved pain and suffering because of an inferior product.
God bless you
I’d love to have someone like Neal in my court!
Cathy B
By Kathy
September 11, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
Belinda,
As a parent myself, I allow my 3 year old to wear Crocs, but as an educated person, I am fully aware of the risks and supervise my daughter on escalators and other places I think Crocs may make her footing not as safe. I can’t believe as a person who does what you do for a living that you were not already aware of the risks of Crocs and escalators, so why in the world do you think a warning label would have helped your situation? I feel badly for your son and that your family had to go through this, but honestly, this is a time to take responsibility for choosing to allow your son to wear Crocs and knowing the risks involved. This is an unfortunate accident, and not one to be blamed on Crocs. If anyone is to blame, I would look at the escalators being built since this is happening on escalators with many different types of shoes. Drop the lawsuit and focus your attention on taking care of your son.
By Beowulf
September 11, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
To be fair, we have to consider what is happening in these injuries. At first, when I heard stories of this, I figured the kids were goofing off or being stupid, and thus got injured. It was easy to dismiss the cases to lack of parental supervision.
But after hearing more about the stories, that these kids were not goofing off, just happened to have their feet along the edge of the escalator, as many adults even do. Why would this not have been a problem before? Flip-flops, jellies, and sandals have been around for decades without major numbers of injuries on escalators, and you know darn well kids have been wearing them.
There is a flaw in the design of these new cheap synthetic plastic shoes that makes them act like non-skid padding. In most cases it will not cause any problems, but when against a stationary object when the shoe (and foot and rider assumably) are moving, and incredible amount of friction occurs and something has to give.
Now, those of you saying she should have heard the stories…to Belinda’s credit she said she hadn’t. She is usually not paying much attention to what news people are saying when she is working - that is not her job. She answers phones and runs Boortz’s show. This case and others like it are what will help get the word out. That’s how Firestone changed the hideous design of their tires with regards to the Ford Explorer flips. Don’t forget that the exposure snowball has to start somewhere. Once the story gets enough play, THEN parents will no longer have an excuse.
By what a croc
September 11, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
If money isn’t the issue, why don’t you agree to donate any money you win to Childrens’ Healthcare or some other non-profit children’s hospital? Your lawyer could also waive his fees? 33% of $2M is a pretty good chunk of change.
Oh, maybe it IS about the money.
By TG
September 11, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
Dear SCREWS MISSING,
I’m an idiot for losing a fingertip on a chair that the owner has to maintain? Maybe when you get hurt by no fault of your own, you’ll not be so quick to call someone an idiot. But of course by then, it will be too late.
Word to the wise here, if you get injured, get an attorney as soon as possible. If you have to ask whether you need one, then you probably do. Don’t count on someone else to actually step forward and take responsibility for an injury that could have been avoided by some preventative action on their part. I had over $20,000 in medical bills and lost wages caused by a $40 chair. How much would a warning have cost the shoe company?
By what a croc
September 11, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
If money isn’t the issue, why don’t you agree to donate any money you win to Childrens’ Healthcare or some other non-profit children’s hospital? Your lawyer could also waive his fees? 33% of $2M is a pretty good chunk of change.
Oh, maybe it IS about the money.
By paulette williams
September 11, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
I was playing backyard soccer with my grandson when I lost my footing and twisted my foot in crocs. My immediate reaction was how stupid of me to be wearing these shoes with no support, while running around, twisting and turning on the grass. (at least 6 months healing time) Never did I think to blame the manufacturer. Common sense does play here. I would never take my grandkids to the airport wearing crocs.
By ConcernedMommy
September 11, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
Belinda, you have my full support. I was never a fan of Crocs because I never thought they were very comfortable. That is also why I never purchased them for my children. However, the shoes are proving to be very dangerous. I truly believe the company should put warnings on them. I know this is not about the money. However, a company will only respond to a lawsuit if a big number is thrown in front of them.
For everyone who made comments about warnings on cars, televisions and other products - there are warnings on them. Every time I put the sun visor down on my car there is a warning about not putting children in the front seat. Televisions and other household electronic products have warnings about them in regards to the electrical charge.
Finally, the Atlanta airport is taking this issue seriously. They put warning signs next to the escalators. Belinda just wants the Croc company to do the same thing. I think it is a very reasonable request.
There is another option, they can recall all of those shoes. When other products have proven to have problems, those companies put out warnings or do recalls.
So good luck Belinda! I wish your son a full recovery.
By ToJessica
September 11, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
Jessica,
Please, for your children’s sake, put them up for adoption. Crocs are not shoes, any more than flip-flops are shoes.
You are too stupid to be a parent, just as Belinda is. Even a dog can procreate, that doesn’t make you a good parent.
By KA
September 11, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
Croc shoes have been put on notice by the multiple injuries across the country over the past years, and still they have done nothing to improve the design of the shoe to improve safety. I think the lawsuit is needed. Go Belinda and Clark!
By Gary
September 11, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
You people who are blaming Belinda and her parenting skills probably don’t even have children. The fact that she is standing up for her child is all the evidence I need to know that she is a good parent. Accidents happen and sometimes people or companies need to be held accountable. 2 million?? That is no where near frivilous. You people are so shallow and need something or someone to spill your vile towards everyday. I pity your souls and like Boortz said this morning you are nothing but small minded people and I will add who are probably living in your mommas basement typing these hate filled comments. Screws Missing - fellow the only idiot on here is you for calling out two people who have had traumatic experiences as being idiots. Sir you need serious help. One thing that did make me smile this morning when listening to Neal talk about this…..he sure did rip a new one into Rodney and his blind followers on this blog. The radio stations in this city know that only a very small fraction of the listening audience actually come on here and blog and half the time they are not real listeners. Thats why they joke about it and also why Rodney has such a hard time getting anything out of them.
By Johnnie Cochran
September 11, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
Let her sue and in the words of Boortz “make the loser pay.”
By Screws Missing
September 11, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
No, TG, you’re an idiot for thinking your situation and Belinda’s are the same.
They are not.
The escalator was working as designed, and an distracted mother wasn’t watching her child.
By gracia
September 11, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
Looking out for the interest of her son? You should not have bought those shoes in the first place. It’s ludicrous to blame the company for your decision. As ludicrous as one blameing the tobacco company when one gets cancer from smoking. Also as ludicrous as telling us to use less water then charging more because water use is down. Get the warning in the shoe forget the money.
By Whatever
September 11, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Stories about these dang shoes have been on the NEWS for YEARS. She aint the first one and if she let her son where the dang things when she KNEW the dangers then I blame her. You are a parent you are responsible. My daughter asked for them and as a RESPONSIBLE PAREANT i said NO cause I know the danger of them on escalators from all the NEWS stories.
Doesnt this chick work for WSB Radio?
Take responsiblity for your parenting.
Sad.
By Reality
September 11, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
Just because Crocs are trendy and lots of people buy them does not make them legitimate shoes. We do not allow them at our office any more than flip-flops.
On a personal note, I think they are the ugliest footwear to come out since clogs, and as a gay man, I wouldn’t be caught dead in them. They look that gay.
By greg
September 11, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
Isn’t it amazing how Bortz is always talking about how we as Americans should take responsibility for our own actions and how frivolous lawsuits are out of control. Neal, I think you need to find a new producer who shares your beliefs. Belinda this has nothing to do with a warning sign, this is greed on your part and the fact that some lawyer waved money in your face saying “we can get lots of this, let’s sue”. I bet you could get on with an ambulance chasing firm and help many American chase down their dream of wealth and fame or even better yet, John Edwards might need a PR Rep and it sounds as if you’d fit the mold perfectly.
By Thinking About It
September 11, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
I can’t help but wonder how many of these vicious bloggers are just jealous because they think that someone else(Belinda) is going to get something for nothing! Her child has suffered,her family has suffered(If you don’t have kids,then you don’t have a clue about the suffering that you as a parent go through with and for them) and this might just be a way to get a point across about the dangers involved with the Crocs.You can be the best parent in the world and an accident can happen.Yes,we need to pay very close attention to our kids and what they are doing.Maybe a warning label will get some added attention.If there can be a warning label on an iron to not iron your clothes while you are wearing them,why not a label on a shoe telling you there are not appropriate for some locations????
Besides,as one blogger has written,Belinda will probaly never see any $$ from this lawsuit.It can drag on for years…
And to the blogger with the child with Cerebral Palsy,my hat is off to you !Taking care of a child with disabilities is a monumental task.
By Ken Thompson
September 11, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
My problem is that this issue was well documented in the media well before the accident to Belinda’s child. Why hasn’t anybody asked why she was still allowing here child to wear Crocs. She should leave the Boortz show because its philosophy is personal responsibility
By Wendy
September 11, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
While I hate her son got hurt and I do hope he gets a full recovery as fast as he possibly can, $2 million is ridiculous. I have always loved Neal Boortz but have never liked Belinda, ever. This just adds to my dislike of the gold digger she is portraying herself to be. Yes, I understand that her son has suffered but he will recover and probably will not remember much of this incident as he gets older. Word of advice, CROCs suck so why would anyone put their kids in them to begin with but your foot can get caught in an escalator in any type of foot wear. Its up to the parents to observe their kids.
By onefreeman
September 11, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
That’s why I stopped listening to CONservative talk, they are all hypocrits. I’ve met Belinda and thinks she is a nice person. But, her and Boortz have routinely criticized “outrageous lawsuits”.
This is outrageous. I can understand medical cost plus some pain and suffering. But, the child will not lose a day’s pay or his ability to walk.
By Ima Croc
September 11, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
Ima croc and I have a croc lawyer bringing a frivolous lawsuit against croc. Next, I am going to sue the Friends of Animals for that bird pooping on my head yesterday!
By MountainDawg
September 11, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
I have mixed feelings on this one. I’m usually staunchly against quick lawsuits (as many are totally frivolous). I also believe in personal responsibility. However, as a father of 4 kids, I definitely feel for Belinda & her son. Whenever we go on escalators (rarely), I usually carry my younger child. If this were to happen to one of my kids, I don’t know that my first thought would be to sue, but I can’t say (100%) that I definitely would not. I’m just not sure on this one.
P.S. - I’m no big fan of Neocon (disguised as a Libertarian Boortz) although he makes alotta valid points at times.
By Screws Missing
September 11, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
Gary, Wrong— I have two children, now 12 & 16, that are still alive because I’m a responsible parent.
I don’t allow them to wear flip-flops or Crocs when we are out to eat or going to any commercial area — be it a shopping center, grocery store, or airport, because I don’t want them looking like orphans when we go out. Going to the beach, the part, or the Chattahoochee, they can wear what ever they want.
You, TG, and all you other sue-happy listeners are part of the victim-mentality that is corroding our society.
By Becky
September 11, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
There are warning labels on things, because we as a society are dumb..Like, a label on a hair dryer that says not to use in water..Didn’t we learn this concept in elementary school? Warning labels on store buggies, don’t leave child unattended? Hello?? Parents need to wake up & take responsibility..As someone else said, children don’t know certain things, it’s your job as a parent to protect them 24/7 for at least the first 8-9 years of their lives..Afer this, they can be responsible for some of their own actions..
By The Gecko
September 11, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
Hello Belinda,
Would you let your son wear croc’s when he rode his bike? Airports are very busy places. If you are traveling with small children crocs don’t get it.
They come off easily, they slide around, basically very unstable on the feet.
You know that. Drop the suit and move on. You have already accomplished your goal.
By Debbie Miller
September 11, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
Hang in there Belinda. I support you all the way. I would do the same thing.!!
By smk
September 11, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
I am very sorry for Belinda’s son’s injury and subsequent nightmares and pain. As a mother, I can totally empathize with the guilt and pain she must be feeling. I do not understand all the hatred towards her and her son.
As a mother, I do not allow my children to wear Crocs or Flip Flops when we have any amount of walking to do - airports, theme parks, etc., and I am always surprised by how many children I see wearing them. They provide no support for the foot and are good just for short periods of wearing, in my opinion.
Crocs are what they are. Why should they be recalled or redesigned? A warning label is “nice to have” but will prove to be useless as a deterrent (as Neal Boortz frequently states). In my view, other than the parents, the other responsible party is the escalator manufacturers (I get very nervous when my children are on escalators and make them stand in the middle and hop off) - Crocs are just the best-publicized case of injuries on escalators, but they can happen even with tennis shoes. Shouldn’t the real root cause of the problem be fixed (escalators that can grab feet)?
I don’t have a problem with suing for just causes; I just think they’re suing the wrong people and for too much money.
By Thinking About It
September 11, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
I just realized that the vicious comments on this blog are not just from some of our unenlightened citizens or from the dregs of society mad because they can’t sue and get $$ for nothing,they are from the liberal donkey people who hate Neal Boortz and what he stands for (Life ,Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness)!!!!!
By Thinkaboudit
September 11, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
I’ve been reading thru these posts and have not seen anything related to why this happened.
Apparently, as previously reported, if the shoe is allowed to rub against the side of the escalator, the heat generated by this act ultimately causes accidents such as these to occur.
When I was a child my parents would kick my butt if I was rubbing my shoe against the side of an escalator. (yes, my folks actually kept an eye on me when we were on moving surfaces.) If I wanted to rub my shoe against the side of the escalator, I knew a quick swat would change my mind about that idea.
My parents taught me to stand properly on the escalator, not to rub against the moving sides and only hold onto the railing. Today, kids seem to do whatever they want, no repercussions, no parental responsibility, no guidance keeping them safe.
Now, its CROC’s fault?
Belinda, When you point the finger of blame, there are 3 fingers pointing at yourself.
If its REALLY not about the cash, take an immediate public position to donate all proceeds, less medical expenses to Childrens Healthcare or similar charity.
If not, then you are allowing yourself to be villified by a public who sees the parents as the sole responsible party for an unchecked child who was allowed to act irresponsibility.
Thinkaboudit
By TG
September 11, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
Dear Screws Loose,
No, I never said our situations were the same. Perhaps if you were more attentive, you might have been able to deduce that and stop calling attention to your own lack of ability to make an intelligent comment. It doesn’t take a lot of intelligence to call someone you’ve never met an idiot.
I waited as long as I could to avoid having to sue. When I saw that they really didn’t care and wouldn’t take me seriously, I was forced to get an attorney. They then used this against me saying they didn’t think they were responsible and didn’t ever consider the prospect that they might be sued.
By Common Sense
September 11, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
OMG, We’re aruging about CROCS!!
By Amazed
September 11, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Many of you continue to post comments without considering a supposed adult let her 4-year-old put his foot between a stationary object ( the escalator wall) and a powered, moving step. The child was unfortunately injured, because of his mother. Belinda is the cause, period. It was her responsibility to watch him and keep him from doing unsafe acts. Did she let him run unattended across the street to the terminal?
If he had stuck his foot under the wheel of a moving,loaded truck on the way the entrance would you be blaming Crocs for the injury?
After reading many of the comments, I am forced to agree with Neal in that we are turning out stupid people by the millions who expect to be protected by government and lawsuits. Common sense no longer exists.
By Jam
September 11, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
so typical…you see an opportunity to make a quick $$$$. Shame on you Neil, had it been someone else you would have been all over them for doing so. Why do others have to pay for a parents stupidity. I can’t believe you want to be rewarded for your own bad parenting and carelessness. You and your husband are just are amongst those people that’s just waiting an opportunity to be rich quick! gees—sue for medical bills not your retirement!
By Trunk Monkey
September 11, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
Whatcha got to say about those nasty old “trial lawyers” now, Belinda?
Just think…if you and your ilk had gotten your way, you’d have no means to demand accountability from anyone. In case you forgot, “negligence” is the basis for a lot of those “frivolous” lawsuits y’all are always whining about.
the only thing that could possibly make this more poetic would be if you people had gotten your “tort reform”.
heh, heh, heh…
By Pizen
September 11, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
I think Clark and Belinda should have been more aware of the flimsy nature of Croc shoes, and it should be clear to everyone that escalators pose risks to unprotected (or poorly protected( feet. Should Crocs clearly disclose that in effect these shoes are for looks and not for protection? I don’t know if a label stating something that should be obvious is necessary, but that’s the nature of tort law in America.
Having said that, I think it’s pretty disingeneous of Neal to accuse people of having issues with him as a reason to criticize Belinda. This issue of suing Crocs is one that reasonable and intelligent people could disagree on, regardless of their feelings about Neal Boortz.
By Raina
September 11, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
Question: Was your son standing in the center of the escalator step when the incident happened? PROBABLY NOT!!!! I see it all the time—kids leaning up against the side of esacalator railings while wearing flip-flops, pool shoes, and crocs. I eve nonce saw a barefoot child at Hartfield on the escalator…Geesh!! Looks as though you need to spend time teaching your son how to step off an escalator—-and ride the elevators in the meantime!
By Jam
September 11, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
so typical…you see an opportunity to make a quick $$$$. Shame on you Neil, had it been someone else you would have been all over them for doing so. Why do others have to pay for a parents stupidity. I can’t believe you want to be rewarded for your own bad parenting and carelessness. You and your husband are just are amongst those people that’s just waiting an opportunity to be rich quick! gees—sue for medical bills not your retirement!
By Ginger
September 11, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
Children need to be watched on an escalator period! I’ve seen grown-ups have accidents when not paying attention. People will sue for anything so it really does not surprise me. I truly believe though that what goes around comes around.
By MH
September 11, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
This child is why soccer has become so popular here in the states. More and more whimps!!!!
By Spud Webb
September 11, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
There should be a warning sign on Kids when you have them. PAY ATTENTION. This is an unfortunate incident for the son. I feel horrible for him. But this isn’t Crocks fault, this is simple parenting or lack thereof. You were probably on the cell phone not paying attention when this occured. Fairly certain you need to pay attention to you’re children when on an escalator, just a guess. WHAT A JOKE THIS IS, and to say it’s not about the money? REALLY, then why 2 million?? cmom, get real. Sad for sure. It’s always everyone elses fault isn’t it? IT’s crocks fault that you didnt pay attention to you’re kid?????????? NICE. I hope this gets thrown out of court, this is a waste of our tax dollars. You’re lucky you’re son didn’t lose his foot.
By los
September 11, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
I hate that the incident happened and I pray he will lead a normal life although presently he may have a few setbacks. When are we gonna realize that accidents happen. They talked about the same thing last year and I’m sure Belinda and her husband was aware like everyone else heard on the news. I have nothing against them because I don’t know them but me and my daughter have rode on escalators plenty of times and I always make sure she stands in the middle of the step, away from the from back and side. To me this is more of a neglegance issue than anything. Kids treat escalators as toys and stand on them any kind of way. She says money is not the issue but if it isn’t then why are they sueing for 2 million, or at all. Wouldn’t 50,000 be ok. There is nothing wrong with the shoes. They are not tennis shoes because they don’t offer the same amount of protection as a tennis shoe does so you should even be more careful with them. It’s just sad that everytime something happens the first thing people do is want to sue. I hope Crocs doesn’t pay one dime. They make a product that people like, the product does what it is supposed to do and to blame them is ridiculous. It’s not like the boy is blind, condined to a wheelchair or near death. There have been plenty of accidents that have happened to children much worse than this and the parents didn’t go off and threaten with a lawsuit. It’s not that wearing crocs on an escalator is dangerous it’s that standing or acting like you would if you had on a pair of steel toe boots is whats dangerous. Crocs I hope you win this one. I guess this is the norm in this country no matter what sue em’ even if it makes no sense. Sad.
By Boortz Fan
September 11, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
Boortz thinks that if you don’t agree with Belinda on the crocs issue it’s because you disagree with his viewpoints or don’t like him. In other words you are taking out your hate for him on Belinda. He is narrow minded on this one folks!
Sorry Boortz, you are mistaken.
By k483
September 11, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
That happened to me once; I lost the toenail on my big toe. Hope the tyke is okay.
By FinanceBuzz
September 11, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
First, regarding the lawsuit, I think it may have merit if there is something specific to Crocs that make them more susceptible to this type of incident. If this type of incidence occurs more frequently with a general category of shoe style as opposed to the specific Crocs design, I would think that the case is not warranted. This is the whole point of the court case to make the case in both directions. Belinda’s son has a legitimate injury and potential permanent injury. As such, I do not see this as a grab for money but rather a grab for justice if indeed there is a liability. I also believe Neal’s account this morning of Belinda’s perspective on this. What I wanted to comment on is Neal’s hypocrisy.
Neal was calling people pigs and idiots this morning for taking a a position against Belinda. His argument may have had a point as I noted above. However, he makes just as many unsubstantiated, ignorant comments on his show on a regular basis. To go after other people that do so and be guilty of the same thing is the height of hypocrisy. Furthermore, he referred to people who post on line as “cowards.” Well, setting aside whethe those bloggers are right or wrong, who is the coward when he flatly says “I am not discussing this on-the-air.” Fine. It is his show and he can control the content. He can refuse to talk about subjects, he can cut off callers who disagree, mute them, talk over them, etc. but that is the beauty of the online world. He cannot control the expression of ideas here and that type of environment where he has no control may not suit him. Yes, internet forums can get nasty and can have a lot of ignorant, mean comments made, but it if the essence of the freedom of speech.
Oh…and I am conservative and generally agree with Neal so this is not a point made out of political disagreement.
Also, to the person who claimed the McDonald’s coffee case was unwarranted, this is a great example of the ignorance of which Boortz speaks. I sued to think the same way based on the what I heard in the news. However, I studied that case in school, a friend currently in law school had to study that case. When you actually learn the facts and not just the media summary that omits a lot of detail, you quickly realize that McDonald’s was in the wrong and deserved to be held liable.
By yelladawg
September 11, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
When we think we have been wronged, We have a right to sue anyone or any company that we want for any purpose. If denied that right, we can expect people to pick up the automatic weapons that they are allowed to posses and go after the person or company that has wronged them. Lawsuits provide an alternative to lawlessness. The Croc case is clearly within reason for a court to sort out. You tort reformers are the greedy, fascists that you are and Neal Boortz is at the top of the list! It fits with his ill-conceived Fountainhead based philosophy.
By Gary
September 11, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
HAHA Screws Missing….that is so funny that you call me a person who has a victim mentality. I am far from it. I believe in personal responsibility and individual freedom. I don’t like lawsuits, but sometimes they are warranted. I have two kids as well who are very young. My wife and I watch them constantly but they do have accidents. This case, if you knew anything about it, was an accident. Her kid was not horse playing and the injury he received was severe. Since you have two kids, then you should know how accidents happen. Heck….I had accidents when I was kid and can honestly say my parents were tough on me and were great parents. Again you calling another person an idiot for going through personal trauma just shows how shallow of a person you are.
Wendy - dear if you knew anything about the situation Belinda and her son are having to go through, then you would know that this is not just a simple stub of the toe. Her child has had two operations and possibly more in the future. Her and her husband are incurring high medical costs and as any parent knows this can be hard no matter the income or insurance. He has had nightmares about it (her own words) and could possibly sustain future disability as a result of an accident. So your assumption that he will be fine and she will just pocket the money is out of touch and just shows your true wealth envy. The lawsuit is in her sons name and she nor her husband will not be able to touch the money if it is even awarded. It will go into a trust fund for her son when he is an adult. The fact that none of you know this shows how much you don’t pay attention to Neal or Belinda and are only spitting your hatred of him and anything conservative. Get a life already.
By Spud Webb
September 11, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
Gary do you work for Neil too?? Lol, this is a joke, 2 million because I can’t pay attention to my kid? So you blame a SHOE COMPANY because I’m a negligent parent? Makes zero sense. By the way, I have 3 kids. Anyway you slice it, it’s her fault.
By the finger
September 11, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
for the sake of the sanctity of AM radio everywhere: quit your day job. you and your husband are part of the problem
By TraceyWhitley
September 11, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Once again this is what is wrong with America. Parents always want to blame somebody for their lack of good judegement. I can’t believe that she said they “prayed” about it. What does that have to do with anything? They just want to make a quick buck. I would have had more respect if they had sued to require the manufacturer to put a warning label on the shoes and any lawyer’s fees. Then again maybe she should be a responsible parent. My kids liked the shoes but I didn’t like how they were made and how flimsy they were. I was a parent and made the decision myself to say no. I don’t rely on other people to “parent my children”.
By the finger
September 11, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
for the sake of the sanctity of AM radio everywhere: quit your day job. you and your husband are part of the problem
By the finger
September 11, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
for the sake of the sanctity of AM radio everywhere: quit your day job. you and your husband are part of the problem
By yelladawg
September 11, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
I second FinanceBuzz’s comments.
By TA
September 11, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
I don’t mind that she has filed suit against Croc. However, I don’t think Mr. Boortz should be defending her actions especially in light of his position on trial lawyers.
By Angie
September 11, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
Belinda, My God bless you and your son. I hope that his progress will be swift and his emotional trauma will diminish overtime. As a parent you have to decide what is best for your child. I support your decision to embark on this controversial lawsuit. Good luck!
By Leslie
September 11, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
Shame on all of you for the personal attacks you’ve posted about Belinda and her family! Shame on you Rodney Ho for that “oh by the way” opening paragraph to an article that has nothing to do with Crocs!
By Gary
September 11, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
No Spud, I don’t work for Neal. I own my own company and work for myself and have been very successful at it. Blaming a parent in this situation is stupid. Yes kids need to be watched, but like I said….even when they are watched accidents happen!! I am sorry that little bit of common sense aludes some of you.
By Sherry Griggs
September 11, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
I think it says a great deal that they are suing for $2 million and not the typical $45 million that most are asking for when they spill hot coffee in their own laps.
I applaud her for taking on the big business. Remember that companies only hear you when you hit them in their weak spot - their wallets.
Bravo Belinda for being brave enough to take on Cros, Boortz and now the ignorant, hateful masses!
By Diana
September 11, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
I’ve seen kids on escalators. In fact…I’ve raised 4 children…they would all stand on the escalator till the end….IF I HAD ALLOWED THEM TO!!!!!!! This lawsuit mentality is a sad reality in our society. Too few people can accept responsibility….you, Belinda, fall in this category! You failed to properly supervise your child, and he was injured. You should be held accountable for neglecting to supervise your child. Now you want MONEY for yor stupidity. I hope CROC wins…they would if I were deciding the case. In fact…I would vote that you pay their legal fees for a frivolous lawsuit!
By Boortz Fan
September 11, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
Boortz says that people who don’t like him are taking it out on Belinda. Narrowminded I would say.
By lucky
September 11, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
It aint the Crocks, its all rubber type shoes, a a mattr of fact, the same thing happened to me in 1955 at the downtown Rich’s with my converse all star tennis shoes. Rich’s employees pushed the emergency stop button and saved my foot. I got a new pair of tennis shoes. NOT MONEY! I never let my kids stand near the edge of any escalator. Its called being aware of your responsibilities as a parent.
By Rich
September 11, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
My beef with this is that if anyone outside of Boortz’s “family” was in a similar situation, he would be railing about poor choices, bad decisions, rotten parenting, and frivolous litigation.
By lovelyliz
September 11, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
I love my XM Radio
By Jo
September 11, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
How horrible the little boy got hurt but yeah, I think $2M is a bit over the top, sorry to say. As to whether or not Belinda was at fault, I can’t say because I wasn’t there. Maybe she WASN’T watching him. Or, maybe she WAS & he moved too quickly for her. And it IS possible his injuries are permanent although I hope not. But I never understood the popularity of Crocs. They are as ugly as sin, look cheap & I can’t imagine they’d be comfortable
By doc
September 11, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
maybe god needs to put a warning on each and every one of us that there is a risk when we come into this world.
they are guilt filled because they knew or had heard that children should not be in these products. they are well read and even i knew that kids in crocs have more injuries because the kids dont have judgment as to what is safe and they still try to do the same things that they would in shoes that are more stable and less likely to get half way on and half way off. it is the parents responsibilty to discern when things are safe not societies.
two mil is just someone playing the system for all it is worth.
also hypocritical for such a libertarian view/take on a show that declares and decries self responsibility in all maters when pushed is exposed for such a fake that it is.
yeah, i feel for the child in this not the parent trying to absolve themselves of any guilt or responsibility in the matter. where was the helpful hand and dont most folks know that elevators are a place that childern get injured on whether they wear crocs or not? intelligent woman/mother and husband/father. yes … er no, just negligent.
as far as the attack, how many have been attacked on the show she is responsible for. karma?
By bryan atl
September 11, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
Joe mentioned Belinda/husband will get no money from any settlement. That’s a croc! We are talking about a minor. The check will be made payable to his parents as parent and guardian of their son. They will deposit the funds into their account and do as they please with the funds. When I heard about the suit, I admit I did not make the connection to Belinda. I was actually very proud she did not file a suit, that they were going to take the high road. I guess I was wrong about them taking the high road. It is up to the parent (I have three children) to supervise their children everywhere but especially on an escalator. There had been many reported cases of crocs and elevator injuries and a prudent parent would have been watching their child closely especially while riding on an escalator with crocs. Why not deal directly with the company and their insurance carrier to try to reach a settlement quietly rather than make this a publicity stunt?
By Carlos
September 11, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
Greed, greed, greed. Boycott her advertisers! Heck, boycott Bortz and she’ll be gone.
By deegee
September 11, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
Doesn’t Belinda work for the pariah of personal responsibility? Is she serious about a warning label on freakin’ shower shoes? What a bunch of hypocrites.
By kitty
September 11, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
It appears common sense has flown the coop. Now everyone wants the nanny state. Why dont we just package everyone in a bubble? Take responsibility for yourself & children. I hope this suit gets thrown out. Every accident is not a lotto jackpot. Maybe the mom should have WATCHED her son??? something new & different.
By clthurman
September 11, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Sounds like a new form of lottery. Have your kid get hurt and sue. My parents used to say be careful and don’t ever do that again….now these new age parents whine and say we have to protect the kids. What’s gonna protect them from wimpy , take no responsibility soccer parents. 2 million….any chance that is going to charity or does it cost that much to repair broken toes. I’ve had 6 and it did not cost 2 million….oh wait we wanna teach Crocs a lesson.So there is some moral objective here instead. Republicans giving moral lessons…that’s a first. Good luck on that scratch off ticket you just filed…maybe you’ll win and avoid having to work for Boortz. That I could respect.
By LeglEgl
September 11, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
The problem with society today, as many have already pointed out, is the lack of personal responsibility. I feel genuine empathy for the young lad, but at his age, he will surely recover and likely not suffer any life-long debilitating disabilities that couldn’t be overcome with time.
Should the boy be compensated ? I don’t know. I suppose it all boils down to comparative negligence between the poor design and functionality of the Crocs and the negligent parenting of Ms. Skelton.
A few years back, while wearing flip-flops, I was attempting to do the compassionate thing in trying to catch a duck whose foot had gotten tangled in fishing line. Combine an empty laundry basket, wet grass, and some idiot chasing a duck whose speed and agility was barely hampered by his temporary dilemma and what do you get ? Falling face first on the grass and cracking three ribs.
Damn….I wish I had thought of it before. Sue the laundry basket manufacturer, the maker of the fishing line, the flip-flop manufacturer, and even Ducks Unlimited. I don’t recall seeing a warning label on the flip-flops suggesting that I not chase ducks on wet grass. How dare they think that I would have enough sense to know better.
Belinda, you’re a boon to society. You’re responsible for what happened as much as anybody. This is a fine way to teach your impressionable child about maturity and responsibility. “Don’t worry honey, you can always sue them and make THEM take the rap.”
By Wake Up!!
September 11, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
Now everybody should see clearly how much of a hypocrite Boortz is!! Maybe you Boortz lovers will now change to another station! Neal has always been a hypocrite and now people are just now realizing it. BELINDA SKELTON can you say “I’m a deadbeat”!! Deadbeat Belinda Skelton; come on Mr. Boortz we need to hear you say it “Deadbeat Belinda Skelton”. As mentioned in previous posts, the danger of crocs and escalators has been reported for sometime prior to Belinda’s son being injured including being reported on Boortz’s show and WSB radio. WAKE UP HYPOCRITES!!
By Lee
September 11, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
Give me a break, take some responsibility and stop trying to get a cheap buck. That’s the problem with the world today, nobody can accept any responsibilty and everything is always someone else’s fault.
By Truthman
September 11, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
All I can say is aren’t she and her husband glad that all the nutty Boortz supporters haven’t been able to pass tort reform in Georgia!?!
What’s that about “choking the courts with frivalous lawsuits,” Neal?
If Neal’s tort reform had passed, you and your hubby might only be able to sue for a couple hunderd thousand!
Bet you love defense attorneys now!!
By ed
September 11, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
Crocs are crap. But what was Belinda doing in fornt of her kids on the escalator? She should have been behind the kids and made sure they were in the middle of the step. I have travled with my kids since they were babies, and they have never been behind me or my wife on the escalator. YES it was Belinda’s responsiablity to whatch HER kids.
By Gail
September 11, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Belinda, I am ashamed of you for this….your BIG BROTHER Neal talks about these frivolous lawsuits all the time and NOW you are filing one. I am sorry your son was hurt BUT CROCS are not real shoes….they are ugly and should only be used for the pool, beach, etc. GO for those big bucks, but it was your fault your son was hurt NOT the shoes or the escalator.
By LeglEgl
September 11, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
The problem with society today, as many have already pointed out, is the lack of personal responsibility. I feel genuine empathy for the young lad, but at his age, he will surely recover and likely not suffer any life-long debilitating disabilities that couldn’t be overcome with time.
Should the boy be compensated ? I don’t know. I suppose it all boils down to comparative negligence between the poor design and functionality of the Crocs and the negligent parenting of Ms. Skelton.
A few years back, while wearing flip-flops, I was attempting to do the compassionate thing in trying to catch a duck whose foot had gotten tangled in fishing line. Combine an empty laundry basket, wet grass, and some idiot chasing a duck whose speed and agility was barely hampered by his temporary dilemma and what do you get ? Falling face first on the grass and cracking three ribs.
Damn….I wish I had thought of it before. Sue the laundry basket manufacturer, the maker of the fishing line, the flip-flop manufacturer, and even Ducks Unlimited. I don’t recall seeing a warning label on the flip-flops suggesting that I not chase ducks on wet grass. How dare they think that I would have enough sense to know better.
Belinda, you’re a boon to society. You’re responsible for what happened as much as anybody. This is a fine way to teach your impressionable child about maturity and responsibility. “Don’t worry honey, you can always sue them and make THEM take the rap.”
By Pleeez
September 11, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
Hey “My son too” why don’t you watch your child more closely (especially in a busy airport) and teach him about the inherent dangers of an escalator - maybe you should be a better parent and stop blaming everyone and everything else. The real problem here is a complete lack of good parenting and disregard for personal accountability and responsibility! YES, if you were watching your child that would not have happened, YES, it was an accident, and YES, it could happen to anyone and with many different types of shoes, and YES, my parents made sure I understood how dangerous escalators were and many other things in life …
By tom
September 11, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
this is incredible-I would definitely say they are using lawsuit to mask their lapse in parenting skills at that moment. Blaming the shoe manufacturer is tacky to say the least.
She and her husband are causing their own embarassment. I would certainly feel very humiliated and embarassed taking the same action they have taken based on what happened.
By Tina
September 11, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
Quite frankly, I am sick of every Tom, Dick and Harry waitng for the opportunity to be able to sue someone for something that happenend to them. Why did Belinda let her child wear Croc’s at the airport? Surely she must have known that Croc’s or Flip Flops are notorious for getting caught in escalators, or is she living behind a cabbage leave. It happened, and yes, she should be reimbursed for medical bills……but 2 Million?????
By ashley
September 11, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
I’ve seen so many kids unattended, playing on escalators in airports, department stores, etc. Where were the parents? And I used to work in a department store, where if you spoke to the kids, the parents would take offense that you were bothering/singling out their child! Until something like this happens. Then it’s Ch-CHING!! $$$$$$$$$$
By Belinda is an idiot
September 11, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
Belinda is an idiot period. She is a redneck from the hills of north Georgia who should not have had a kid. She know nothing about parenting. She is too involved in buttering up that blowhard Boortz. What is a producer of a radio show??? She is nothing more than a phone screener who has made it big in the local radio market do ads and making a bunch of money. BS is married to a teacher (who is probably much smarter than her), but didn’t want the media to get wind that a lawsuit was filed by her stage name, so her hubby filed it under his real name.
I expect that this lawsuit was the guesswork of Boortz (after all, he is or was a lawyer of some kind or another)
Now that the lawsuit has been filed, BS is going to be in the spotlight for a pair of shoes that she shouldn’t have bought in the first place. I feel sorry for the kid as he has to put up with his dingbat mother.
By J Sumrow
September 11, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
You seriously think that putting a warning tag on play, not real shoes, would have prevented the accident with your son? Seriously? It would just take a tag to say, oh, maybe I should pick him up on the esculator since he is wearing play shoes! Horrible lack in judgement in the lawsuit.
By Spud Webb
September 11, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
LeglEgl that was a great post!
By James
September 11, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
Okay..as a teacher I get so p** off when kids where these shoes to school! Whether they are Crocs, flip flops, or open toe shoes, parents have to realize that these are not appropriate attire for school; and neither should they be for outside your house! Those Crocs were not intended to wear as everyday shoes. I mean, my God, can’t a person with common sense understand that rubber missed with a moving mechanical object will result in something dangerous. “We want a warning tag on those shoes.” What a ridiculous comment! How about using your COMMON SENSE! When is a judge going to rule in favor of common sense and against parents who are stupid?
By Roy Al
September 11, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Borezt is a hypocrite and a coward. Belinda is his bought strumpet.
By Lynn
September 11, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
That is the most insane amount of money i have ever heard for something that is not the shoe company’s fault. It is the fault of the parent who did not tell their child to STAND STILL on the escolator, like the caution signs tell you to. I am a parent and my child knows better Or wait maybe the Airport should sue the parents for getting their croc stuck in the escolator causing them to make costly repairs when the escolators are clearly marked with caution signs, etc.
By Maryann
September 11, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
Let’s hope this lawsuit gets tossed out. I’m sorry her son was injured but it’s her own stupidity for letting him wear CROCS.
By Jeffisgoofingoffagain
September 11, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
In a day where common sense prevailed you simply didn’t wear those shoes on an escalator. (I don’t have warning label on my flip flops, but don’t wear them at airports either)
Geez, now we’re going to pay higher prices because of all this and the government gets to intrude into our lives a little more. But folks with money don’t care what the rest of us have to put up with.
By Parent
September 11, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
This caught my eye “Boortz listener “Melanie R” defended Skelton on the Web site, posting: “Belinda: I think you are strong for acting out to protect kids.”
I always thought that it was each parent’s job to protect their kids? This law suit has nothing to do with getting Crocs to put a warning label on their product - it’s about making easy money for the Skeltons! Does husband Meyer have warning labels on the knives and forks in the drawer, oh wait, the kids can’t read, so the warning labels must be for the benefit of the stupid parents who can’t determine if something needs to be used with caution or not. Then again, what’s the use of a warning label if the parents don’t watch their kids on potentially dangerous public conveyances such as escalators?
If this lawsuit had come from someone in Ohio or Kentucky, or in fact from anyone other than his producer, I wonder what Boortz (or Skelton for that matter) would have to say about it then??
By Country Bumpkin Voice
September 11, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
I guess Belinda needs to be suing Woodham’s Eye Clinic. If she couldn’t see where her child was & what he was doing, then she’s suing the wrong people.
By Reader
September 11, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
I agree with most of the others. You can’t blame a shoe for what sounds like your son not standing correctly on an escalator. Warning on shoes you have got to be kidding. Was your son hanging on the black handrail while riding the escalator? Sounds like you should have had him standing straight then his shoe would not have been dragging against the side of the escalator. If you prayed about this you would not be suing for a large amount of money. I would say money is your motivation.
By Karen Apodaca
September 11, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
My opinion…. You bought em (the crocks) and you went to the airport. Noboby forced you to do this. I do not see that this is justified in a lawsuit. If your son had broken the escolator, do you think that Hartsfield would ask you to pay to have it fixed???
By Faye
September 11, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
As of mother of two, I’m sorry that your child got hurt and I sympathize. I do not however believe that this should be the basis of a 2 million dollar lawsuit. My 7 year old also has crocs. I do not let her wear them when its rainy and basically treat them like flip flops - plastic foot decoration. whenever we are on escalators I teacher her to jump when we get to the top and bottom and watch where her foot is. what happened to your son on the escalator could have happened if he had on jeans, flip flops or untied shoes. we have to be responsible as parents and not blame corporations everytime something goes wrong. Also, everyone is having a hard financial go, don’t use this as a quick financial solution (even though you say its not). What’s next, when kids who wear Heely’s fall, they are going to sue company’s next even though they were skating around acting foolish. Let’s pray, be better parents, and stop this. Times are too hard.
By Ralph
September 11, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
Isn’t this a GREAT Country. WE have people hoping a little boys toes get infected and fall off, we have a teacher writing in a blog with words misspelled, and still others saying that someone shouldn’t have had a child. I am sure all brillant scholars that we should all fall in line with because after all, they seem to have all the answers to life itself. Belinda do what you think is best for your family. Could you have taken a different approach to achieve your goal….maybe….that is something only you can decide for your family. Here’s hoping your son gets better soon.
By bryan atl
September 11, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
Everyone is so up in arms about the money $2m. Their attorney came up with this number and it could have as easily been $10m or $100m. It is just a number. The demand does not mean squat. A jury of her peers would determine the based on her negligence and any negligence on the shoe company (comparative negligence). If the shoe company was found to be greater than 50% at fault for the injuries, Belinda and her family including her son would get what the jury decided would be a fair settelement including potential punitive damages against crocs. I could see that their family could get an award for pain and suffering and medical bills around $250,000 - $300,000 if it were filed in Gwinnett. Since the airport is on Clayton county and Fulton county, they likely filed in the more liberal jurisdiction of Fulton County so they may actually get awarded in punitives a lot more than $2m. Is it right? I don’t think so. I think the parents of this child are the majority at fault and should recover nothing for their negligent injury caused to their son. Since she works for Boortz, I feel the jury would have a hard time giving them any amount of money. If she is smart, she settles out of court.
By Mytwocents
September 11, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
I would like to hear from someone who was at the airport that day and saw what happened. I would suspect Belinda was distracted by her phone, luggage,etc and was not paying attention to her son. Things like this happen but we as parents must be prepared and not let our children wear shoes and clothing that are not safe in certain environments. True we parents cannot watch our children all of time but it does help if dress them as safely as possible, make them aware of how to protect themselves in potentially dangerous situations, and to pay attention what is going on. I always told my kids to stand and no jumping around as we got on an escalator. I also made my children stand in the middle and hold my hands when riding an escalator. Escalators are moving pieces of machinery that have never been safe! Nothing is more important than the safety of your child.
I am sorry about your child’s injury but the fault lies with you. Crocs like so many other companies sell their products and it is up to you as a parent to decide if you want your child to wear it and then teach your child how to properly wear it. Gee, I can’t wait until your child plays sports…yes, he can get hurt there, too!
By Faye
September 11, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
As of mother of two, I’m sorry that your child got hurt and I sympathize. I do not however believe that this should be the basis of a 2 million dollar lawsuit. My 7 year old also has crocs. I do not let her wear them when its rainy and basically treat them like flip flops - plastic foot decoration. whenever we are on escalators I teacher her to jump when we get to the top and bottom and watch where her foot is. what happened to your son on the escalator could have happened if he had on jeans, flip flops or untied shoes. we have to be responsible as parents and not blame corporations everytime something goes wrong. Also, everyone is having a hard financial go, don’t use this as a quick financial solution (even though you say its not). What’s next, when kids who wear Heely’s fall, they are going to sue company’s next even though they were skating around acting foolish. Let’s pray, be better parents, and stop this. Times are too hard.
By Woody Clark
September 11, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
Why not take personal responsibility and admit you made a poor choice in footwear for a child. I still believe, as I was taught many years ago, that children require shoes with proper support and protection when out and about.
By Home 2 Roost
September 11, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
What goes around, comes around.
As Boortz used to say (and he obviously got it right) “WSB - we’re such buttheads”.
So perceptive Neal.
By Mrs. G
September 11, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
Anyone in their right mind they would not allow their child to wear those shoes in, around or near an escalator. Just like you shouldn’t allow them, or no one for that matter should were flip flops around an escalator. If you do then you put your own self at risk. People are always trying to blame someone else for their carelessness or no common sense.
By Mike Molloy
September 11, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
Belinda- Way to go! Don’t listen to the mindless idiots on here! Crocs knew the shoes had a potential defect resulting in multiple injuries before your son’s. I am aware of at least 3 just at Hartsfield. The company delayed the warning on the shoes till it was right for them, and it resulted in multiple children with severe foot injuries. Keep your head up and fight for your little boy!
By flipper
September 11, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
I think Belinda needs a warning label. Here is how it might read:
“PARENTS: DO NOT HAVE A.M. OR ANY OF HIS FAMILY MEMBERS OVER TO PLAY AT YOUR HOUSE. TO DO SO PUTS YOU AT SERIOUS RISK FOR A LAWSUIT SHOULD THIS CHILD BREAK A TOE.
TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS: HANDLE A.M. AND HIS FAMILY WITH GREAT CARE. YOU FACE THE POSSIBILITY OF SEVERE LEGAL ACTION SHOULD ANY HARM COME TO HIM OR HIS FAMILY. IN PARTICULAR, DO NOT PERMIT HIM TO GET ON PLAY EQUIPMENT OR MAKE ANY PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH ANOTHER CHILD IN THE CLASS. PLEASE ALSO HOLD HIS HAND AT ALL TIMES AS HE WALKS DOWN THE HALL SO HE DOESN’T TRIP AND BREAK AND ANKLE. PLEASE ALSO ALERT CAFETERIA STAFF TO MAKE SURE TO CHEW HIS FOOD FOR HIM SO HE DOESN’T CHOKE.”
By Skip
September 11, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
WERE THEY WHITE CROCS? IF SO I SUGGEST YOU GET THE GREAT CORPORATE TERRORIST JESSIE JACKSON TO STAGE A BOYCOTT! THIS IS RIGHT UP HIS ALLEY.
WHERE HAS PERSONAL RESPONSIBILTY GONE? I HAVE A 4 YEAR OLD AND WHEN WE RIDE ESCALATORS I AM SURE TO YANK HIS ARM AND PULL HIM UP WHEN WE GET ON OR OFF, EVEN IF HE WERE WEARING COMBAT BOOTS!
I HAVE TO GO NOW, THINK IM GOING TO SUE REVLON, THEY MADE THE NAIL CLIPPER THAT I USED TO CUT MY FINGERNAIL A LITTLE SO SHORT YESTERDAY!
By Ashley
September 11, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
To quote Ms. Skelton: “We struggled and we prayed over this” “But we felt that someone had to force Crocs to do the right thing. We want a WARNING TAG on those shoes.”
If that is all she and her husband want, why are they asking for $2 million dollars? They should just ask for the warning tags and their sons medical expenses. $2 million dollars is a lot to ask for when all you really want is a warning tag. How is the $2 million going to accomplish this task?
This is an unforunate accident, but not worth $2 million.
By smartest guy in the room
September 11, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
Boortz Belinda Limbaugh et al are entertainers. They don’t believe any of what they say. Limbaugh had a drug habit while putting down other drug users. Boortz and Belinda are the same why always makin fun of others but we they see there “chance” at a payday. they jump. If take any of these idiots seriouly you really should grow up.
By Hillary
September 11, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
I can’t understand why parents are so quick to blame someone or something else for neglegence on their part. Try correcting your child when you see them doing something that could potentially harm them!
By Makes U. Wonder
September 11, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
It amazes me that Skelton could work with someone like Boortz for so long and not learn something about parenting, personal responsibility, frivolous lawsuits, unsupervised rug rats etc. These subjects have formed the basis of many of Boortz’s best rants for crying out loud! And she has been right there, echoing his sentiments. Can you spell hypocritical?
I wonder if Boortz knew of her (husband’s)lawsuit intentions and what he advised. Sorry Neal, but when it splatters it gets all bystanders!
By Donna
September 11, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
It is well known that Boorzt carries a gun. He is a poltroon who lives in constant fear that some soul brother will beat the crap out of him. Not that he is worth it. Have you seen that ‘gay’ picture of him on his motorcycle? An old dude scared schitless! Belinda is nothing more than a phone screener with an irritating voice that sops the seconds that Kneel throws her. She’s hoping that the shoemakers will settle with her and her puzzy-whipped husband for a few thousand bucks.
By Becky
September 11, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
LegkEgl, loved your post..Don’t they have video from the airport that shows exactly what happened? I can’t win the lottery, so let me find someone to sue..
I think I’m going to sue my company for making me fat..If I hadn’t of applied for a job sitting behind a desk 8 hours a day, I might still be a size 5 like I was when I started this job..
By wirelessg
September 11, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
Another reason for me not to like the overpaid redneck receptionist. Boortz is 100% hypocritical on this issue.
By Jeffkeepsgoofingoff
September 11, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
She may be giving the 2 million to a childrens organization or to St. Josephs (How Sean Hannity of her to think of that…)
By JT
September 11, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
Oh, now we want the government to help out? I’m glad those judges and courts are there for ya’. FYI, we’re all helping to pay for your right to sue.
And what would this warning label look like anyway? “Danger! If your child uses an escalator while wearing this footwear, please pay attention!”?
By ClydesMom
September 11, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
Let’s see: she didn’t teach her child to “hop” off the escalator, didn’t supervise him while riding it, she chose his footwear; and now that the child got hurt it must be someone else’s fault and they should pay a large some of money.
He broke a few toes and can’t curl them now. As far as I can tell the only time toe curling is important is during sex and don’t you think it is a little early to be worrying about that in this kid?
What a shame that they chose to add to the litany of frivolous lawsuits instead of taking personal responsibility as parents.
By oops!
September 11, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
I demand all showlace makers put WARNING on their product, yesterday my lace came untied, I tripped and skinned my elbow as well as my knee. I want $4 million! Does anybody know where Mrs Bindler my 1st grade teacher from 1978 is? She taught me to tie my shoes, she didnt clearly define the risks involved and I would like to sue her as well, hell I also want to know why there is not a warning on the sidewalk that say “HARD SURFACE” I want to sue the concrete company also. GIVE ME A BREAK! BOORTZ, YOU NEED TO CLEAN HOUSE OVER THERE>
By Sad Panda
September 11, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
All this talk about a such frivolous lawsuit makes me a sad, sad panda.
By Cathy C.
September 11, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry that your son was injured, but I put your law suit right up there with the McDonald’s hot coffee millions. Use your head and take responsibility for yourself and your family. The clogs didn’t “cause” anything except a laps of judgement.
By tspec
September 11, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
I’ll never listen to the show again after this B.S. Every idiot knows you don’t wear crocs on an escalator! What a load of “croc”, I have lost all respect for Boortz and his B.S. about frivolous lawsuits!
By J-Nam
September 11, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
Sorry Belinda for the injury, pain and suffering. I have read 90% of the comments and I have to join in with the majority. I have 4 daughters and when they were growing up (3,4,5,years old) my wife and I were constantly aware of the clothing/shoes they were wearing and depending on where we were going, some articles of clothing had to be changed. I believe you were just not thinking. Were you concerned about the safety of the Crocs before the accident …..see ?
By JOE LAWYER
September 11, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU BELINDA!
Hurt child + popular retail footwear company + dangerous escalator = My next vacation!
Let em know if there is one scar on the child from this we will go after those demon doctors next!
By Ken
September 11, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
If Neil stands by you on this, he is a hypocrite. Belinda, you are the one that needs a warning label placed on you.
By Jane
September 11, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
Belinda, Why weren’t you watching you kid while he was on the escaltor?? This is what happens when you let your kids run free without proper supervision. I’m sorry your kid got hurt, but S..t happens when you don’t keep your eye them.
By thefish
September 11, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
NOW THAT THE SHOE IS ON THE OTHER FOOT, SO TO SPEAK, THERE”S NO SUCH THING AS A FRIVOLOUS LAWSUIT
By kevin o'mally
September 11, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
Boortz is king of the hypocrites and scum of the earth. He wants to live in America and enjoy everything it has to offer but not pay one cent in taxes for the privilege. He will criticize anyone who doesn’t live up to his standards as a “deadbeat,” but he will be first in line with his hand out as the cowards in congress find ways to legislate more millionaire tax breaks. Just ask him about the sweetheart deal he gets at the airport where he parks his plane. His entire life and career is subsidized by taxpayers, but he will just lie to and bully anyone who points out what a joke he really is.
He couldn’t even be bothered to serve his country at war when he had the chance. Instead, he took the path of every other coward-turned-chickenhawk: beg for deferments until the conflict is over.
And don’t get me started on Belinda. Typical white trash who actually has the gall to say that she and her husband “prayed” on the decision to sue. Really? Did God tell you to ask for $2 million? DFACS really should look into this case to see what actually transpired on the escalator. BS was absolutely negligent! What kind of sorry-azz mother doesn’t supervise her son on an escalator? Was your face too deep in a Cinnabon, or were you talking on a cellphone? Either way, you have FAILED as a parent! And now you want somebody else to pay for your mistake. And your idiot hypocrit boss agrees with you!! You two are both LOSERS!
By the way Neil, it’s really funny to hear you call people “cowards” who post online. Just like it’s really funny to hear you disconnect people after they’ve completely OWNED you in an argument. What a brave man you are!
By c-atl
September 11, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
Where do you idiots get off saying that Crocs are not shoes?? I see people wearing flip-flops all the time, and Crocs are much better shoes than that. For that matter, high heels are more dangerous than any other shoes.
That being said, has anyone looked into how many escalator accidents like this happen around the country daily, and what percentage are wearing Crocs?
Belinda - you probably cannot blame Crocs, but if you do get any money, you should donate it to a charity - Grady Hospital could use it.
Take care and God Bless.
By Ken
September 11, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
If Neil stands by you on this, then he is a hypocrite. Belinda, you are the one that needs a warning label.
By Grant Parker
September 11, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
My boys have worn Crocs, and they like them. I like the ease in which they can jump in and out of them. I also understand that, as a parent, my responsibility for my children does not end the moment they slide rubberized footwear. The lawsuit looks more like a grab for the green than getting warning labels put on shoes.
By bimini
September 11, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
Karma is a mutha.
By Kim
September 11, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
Are you kidding mE !!!! 2 million dollars. Do we know all the facts surrounding the accident ? Was he playing, leaning on the sides or jumping on the escalator, before this injury occured. I can see you asking for paymnet of medical bills , but $2 million dollars. If you want them to put a warning sign on the shoes, then why not just simply ask them to do that. You do not have to be smart to know these plastric shoes are not to be worn in certain places under certain circumstances. I have a 3 yr old, and I too sympatize. But $2 million dollars??? You say Neal Boortz is like a big brother, but if you think Neal Bortz is supporting you on this one, then you have really lost it. And if he does support you, then he is a BIGHYPOCRITE !!!!!!!!!!!-
By Boss
September 11, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
This really brings it to earth. This synical SOB talks all the time about frivilous lawsuits and then this happens. Hey Boortz you ever thought about wanting to be Superintendent in Clayton County.
By linda
September 11, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
Belinda, Sorry that you son was hurt but this is ridiculous! Why let your child wear those fake shoes to the airport. This could happen with flip flops or any shoes that have plastic shoes. We need to take responsibility for our actions!
By Meme
September 11, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
I am so sorry that Belinda’s son got hurt. However, I know that if the suit had been brought by anyone else, the folks at the Boortz show would be dogging them.
By Croc Hunter
September 11, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
If only Steve Irwin were still alive, the Croc Hunter could have tamed those child killers.
Hey Belinda, take the elivator next time. This is a scumbag move, I cant agree more with the person who asked if you thought the shoes were dangerous before getting on the escalator. I have a 6 year old and I pull her up every time we ride an escalator regardless of her footwear,my wife is 39 years old and still afraid of escalators…but in this case it wasn’t you, it wasnt your childs actions or lack of supervision, it was the shoes….GIVE ME A BREAK!
By Lan
September 11, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
Opportunist!.!.!.!….
By Meme
September 11, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
I am so sorry that Belinda’s son got hurt. However, I know that if the suit had been brought by anyone else, the folks at the Boortz show would be dogging them.
By GoAheadNSue
September 11, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
I used to listen to Boortz for a few years but he just got to be too annoying. He (and Belinda) are quick to place blame on the parents whenever something goes wrong with a child. Also, he loves to rail about frivolous lawsuits. Boortz’s silence on this sure exposes his hypocrisy. On the other hand, I agree with Belinda, go ahead and sue if that’s what you think is the right thing to do. I don’t even begrudge her asking for 2 mill. Let the courts decide what is fair. Her son may have permanent damage and she will have to pay for medical bills.
By JM
September 11, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
Skelton and her husband bear the responsbility for this accident. Hopefully the judge that hears this will immediately rule it frivolous.
By Lan
September 11, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
Opportunist!.!.!.!….
By roberta
September 11, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
I am truly sorry I came upon any of this. Even sorrier I started to read it. Its nothing but Karma. All of the hate spewed forth on the radio to hurt people is now blowing up back in somebody’s face.
By Michael
September 11, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
This is simply the result of a parent not paying attention. For that matter, everyone should know how to enter/exit escalators properly regardless of footwear. Americans will sue in a heartbeat for anything! Geez!
By chuck
September 11, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
I wander if “beggin belinda” ever complains about her insurance rates. Don’t you people realize this is all paid for by the insurance companies. that’s right!!!!! Belinda gets 60%, her attorney gets 40% and everyone’s rates go up. Go ahead and sue someone, but I a firm believer that a person will never get ahead by sueing anyone. Something worse always seems to happen to greedy people. I think she she be arrested and tried for child cruelty forbuying them and not supervising her child.Somebody call Defacs.
By lakeman
September 11, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
this nitwit deserves nothing…big time radio producer..give me a break…she could not hold a job at mcdonalds…and my apologies to the workers at mcdonalds…what do she do besides answer a phone and act silly on radio…she should have been watching the child instead of probably looking trying to get someone to recognize her..i hope crocs wins and she has to pay the court costs…you cant sue for stupidity…
By DeDe
September 11, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
Okay, my kids wanted croc shoes. I did not feel as though they were sturdy enough or would fit properly. Plus they are ugly. They DID NOT get them. If I know we are going to be somewhere with anything like escalators, etc. they wear closed shoes. Or I keep a very watchful eye on them. Prevention IS the the best medicine, and not only for illnesses. It is the parents job to watch your kids. 40 years ago my Mom was watching me on esculators, making sure I did not get hurt or my shoes got caught. So we have known for however long that esculators can “grab” your shoes. No excuse for the lawsuit….
By John
September 11, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Okay, Belinda, you had anticipate the backlash once this news became public. As a long-time Boortz listener, he is quiet correct in blasting the many examples of frivolous lawsuits filed by people who do irresponsible things. You have even commented on such cases and have posed the question, “where were his/her parents,” etc. You and Boortz have passed judgement on other folks when unfortunate things happen, especially if what happened was preventable. Unless all of these folks who are blasting you were present and saw what happened, we really don’t know all the facts except as how they were reported in the AJC. But because of your position in talk radio working with Boortz, having the lawsuit filed by your husband (and using his name in an attempt to distance yourself from the media publicity), you are being viewed as one big hypocrite like so many other folks in the public eye. Now I don’t know if you and hubby were in a conversation and took your eye off your boy or if he was acting like four year olds will, and I really don’t care. The bottom line is when you say “it’s not about the money,” well it usually is and your listening audience knows it. After all Neal’s show is listened too by mostly educated people who can see through smokescreens. We’ve heard so many time’s “it’s not about the money.” Do you and your Hubby think we’re stupid? Come on, now. This is an unfortunate incident, and probably could have been prevented. But if all you want is for Crocs to put a label on the shoes, then why not let that request stand on it’s own instead of attaching a $2 million price tag to the case? Then again, once Boortz retires, you’ll be out of a job or at least not making the six figures you do now and you might need that $2 million (minus lawyer fees) to shore up your retirement fund.
By John
September 11, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Okay, Belinda, you had anticipate the backlash once this news became public. As a long-time Boortz listener, he is quiet correct in blasting the many examples of frivolous lawsuits filed by people who do irresponsible things. You have even commented on such cases and have posed the question, “where were his/her parents,” etc. You and Boortz have passed judgement on other folks when unfortunate things happen, especially if what happened was preventable. Unless all of these folks who are blasting you were present and saw what happened, we really don’t know all the facts except as how they were reported in the AJC. But because of your position in talk radio working with Boortz, having the lawsuit filed by your husband (and using his name in an attempt to distance yourself from the media publicity), you are being viewed as one big hypocrite like so many other folks in the public eye. Now I don’t know if you and hubby were in a conversation and took your eye off your boy or if he was acting like four year olds will, and I really don’t care. The bottom line is when you say “it’s not about the money,” well it usually is and your listening audience knows it. After all Neal’s show is listened too by mostly educated people who can see through smokescreens. We’ve heard so many time’s “it’s not about the money.” Do you and your Hubby think we’re stupid? Come on, now. This is an unfortunate incident, and probably could have been prevented. But if all you want is for Crocs to put a label on the shoes, then why not let that request stand on it’s own instead of attaching a $2 million price tag to the case? Then again, once Boortz retires, you’ll be out of a job or at least not making the six figures you do now and you might need that $2 million (minus lawyer fees) to shore up your retirement fund.
By boilednuts
September 11, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Frivolous BS..Boortz should can her. Belinda, be accountable. Your son was in your care..what’s next, suing the airport and the escalator manufacturer..give me a break.
By Tricia S
September 11, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
Bottom line - it’s a free enterprise system. You don’t have to buy this product! Crocs are not dangerous, unless used for protection rather than comfort. I don’t see them worn at construction sites. It’s a parent’s responsibility to protect their children, not a company’s. Belinda has been around Neil too long. To use your children to profit is shameful.
By Ann
September 11, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Given the security in the airport, surely one of the surveillance cameras caught the accident on tape???
I still think it’s a nonsence lawsuit; I’ve been waiting for something like this to happen since crocs became a “fashionable item” (which I simply don’t understand!).
By Roy
September 11, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
If someone says it’s not about the money, it’s about the money. I’ve heard Boortz say that. Because Belinda is his buddy, he thinks she’s doing the right thing. The hypocrisy is eyebrow deep. Prove it’s not about the money and just sue for the warning tag (as if that would do any good). I hope Crocs countersues Belinda and her husband for being irresponsible parents. If I get on the jury, your little golddigging scheme will fail. PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY !!!
By Roy
September 11, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
If someone says it’s not about the money, it’s about the money. I’ve heard Boortz say that. Because Belinda is his buddy, he thinks she’s doing the right thing. The hypocrisy is eyebrow deep. Prove it’s not about the money and just sue for the warning tag (as if that would do any good). I hope Crocs countersues Belinda and her husband for being irresponsible parents. If I get on the jury, your little golddigging scheme will fail. PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY !!!
By mark
September 11, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
Belinda - Do you ever listen to your bosse’s radio show? This is just the kind of nauseatingly frivilous lawsuit that is bringing our country to its knees and that he rails about. And if it is not about the money then I will call your bluff. After your ambulance chasing attorney takes his 30% cut why don’t you pledge to donate 100% of the remaining proceeds to Egleston Children’s Hospital to support their work in treating children’s injuries such as these. Short of that let’s put the $2 million in an interest bearing escrow account and, if at the age of 21, your son has truly been rendered permanently disabled, unable to particiapte in normal childhood activities like athletics, riding a bike and the like, then we will pay it out. My guess is that you won’t go near either option because you are just what this lawsuit has exposed you to be - a money grubbing hypocrite.If you aren’t willing to make such a pledge publicly and forthwith, Borrtz should fire you on the spot or own up to the fact that both of you are absolute hypocrites. This of course would never be admitted by the man who eviscerated a Buckhead family a few years ago because their troubled daughter was driving “Daddie’s Mercedes” when she tragically killed a family in an accident. Of course Bortz and his producer (you) never did any homework to know that the young lady involved was an adopted child who had come to the fmaily with serious emotional issues and that they had gone to great links and expense to get the counseling and help necessary to help her. Nope, that wouldn’t have been the neat little class warfare story that you two need to spew your demagoguery. Too humanitarian - a family lovongly adopting a child with serious emotional issues that ultimately prove to be emotionally and financially burdensome to the point of nearly ruinous, yet they stood with her as Boortz dragged them through his populist swill. Now the screw has turned and its his producer who is on the spot. But this time “its not about the money”, its about doing what’s right….and the spineless twit Neil has been exposed for just what he is - a gutless hypocrite. I tel youwhat both of you deserve, every year Boortz’ callers should celebrate the anniversary of September 11th by calling in and inquiring as to how your little Johnny is doing and whether he is playing little league or pee wee football or the like. My guess is that his $2 million parents will be chauffeuring him to and from all the normal activities in their luxury SUV and that Boortz will not have the moxie to acknowledge it. And lastly, if this little accident (as sad and painful as it is) is so traumatic that you are losing sleep at night and need $2 million in restitution I’ve got news for you - you have a long road ahead of you. In the greater scheme of things three or four toes cut up in an escalator is peanuts. But there again, its really all about the money, isnt it?
By John
September 11, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
You people are all two faced. If that was your kid you would be screaming from the heavens CROCS ARE BAD
Get over yourselves
By MTB
September 11, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
It’s her right to sue. Period.
If it was most of you, and you felt that Crocs knew of dangers associated with their products, you’d do it, too. Talk about hypocracy.
BTW, a contributing factor was probably the assinine policy of mandatory shoe removal at the security gates. We all know how many Croc-wearing 4 year olds have bombs in their shoes. As a parent, they probaly figured letting him wear Crocs would ease the stress of dealing with the TSA process.
By Spud Webb
September 11, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
John pointless blog. MTB on 9/11 of all days I would hope you’d be a little tactful in respect to airport security. You’re right, 4 year croc-wearing probably don’t have bombs in their shoes. But we didn’t think 7 years ago that 4 planes could be hijaked with razor blades did we? Lol, guessing you didn’t know anyone in NYC or the Pentagon or on flight 93 or those planes. Class act. Point is the women was negligent, not the Crocs shoe company.
By Evan
September 11, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
It’s simple… Put your kid in something other than crocs when walking throught he busiest airport in the world.
By ExBoortzListener
September 11, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
I can’t wait to see the warning label Ms Skelton…oh…wait…it’s not her suing Crocs, it’s Mr Meyer (trying to hide Belinda?) wants to see on Crocs. I imagine it might look like this: WARNING! Parents must actually supervise children while on escalators. Seriously! Wake up WSB! Are these the kind of people you want associated with your radio station? The hypocrisy of Boortz standing behind Belinda all the while demeaning folks that do this sort of thing! I would love to see the Meyer/Skelton clan walk away with zero settlement. The fair thing would be for Crocs to be compensated for the Meyer/Skelton clan filing a frivolous lawsuit. I find her comments (that she only wants a warning put on the shoes) insulting to intelligent people! It is clear that they are greedy, opportunists. I am sorry that this child was hurt. I do not intend to make light his injury. But where does this kind of litigation stop? Do we sue every time someone gets hurt? I don’t want to see Belinda’s face on any more TV ads. In fact….I will never tune in to the Boortz show again. I will actively boycott any advertiser of Boortz or Skelton.
By Exposer
September 11, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Where’s pastor of personal responsibility, the preacher against frivolous lawsuits? Just goes to show you what a phony Boortz is.
HE”S AN ENTERTAINER! YOU LEMMINGS! HE DOESN’T EVEN BELIEVE HIS OWN SPIEL!
NOW PLEASE THINK FOR YOURSELF!!!
By Leroy
September 11, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
Belinda, I believe you is right! I myself have had a very significant injury when I put my finger in the CD player of my computer and passed out.. I mean fell asleep. I got a nsty cut and couldn’t move my finger for a week!. I have contacted several lawyers who are interested in persuing this claim against MicroSoft for 250 Billion dollars. I mean, there ought to be a warning sign on those dangerous things. Good Luck with You Litigation, I hope’s mine goes as well.
By John
September 11, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Oh com eon Spud, get over that security crap. Security had nothing to do with it. 9/11 has nothing to do with it. Put yourself in the mother’s shoes (no pun intended). You would be upset too.
By Leroy
September 11, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Belinda, I believe you is right! I myself have had a very significant injury when I put my finger in the CD player of my computer and passed out.. I mean fell asleep. I got a nsty cut and couldn’t move my finger for a week!. I have contacted several lawyers who are interested in persuing this claim against MicroSoft for 250 Billion dollars. I mean, there ought to be a warning sign on those dangerous things. Good Luck with You Litigation, I hope’s mine goes as well.
By wjj
September 11, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
Half of you people don’t know what you are talking about and the other half are just stupid. If you listened to Neal’s show this morning he clearly explained how serious this child’s injuries are. It is more than just broken toes, his big toe was almost cut completely off. He has already had two surgeries and is facing more. At this point, he will have some permanent disability, but to what extent, they don’t know yet.
As of the $2M, Neal clearly explain this. The lawsuit is filed in the son’s name, not Belinda’s or her husband. If they win the suit, the money goes into a trust fund for the son (the parents can not touch it). It would be his money, not the parents. Once he turns 18, the money would be his. If Belinda and her husband want to be reimbursed for the medical expenses they have incurred so far (or future), they have to file a separate lawsuit under their names. So, all of you jerks who think they are just greedy are flat out wrong. CROCS and others need to be held responsible to ensure they put out safe products.
All you bashers,if it was your child, I bet you would sue so fast you would be a BIG BLUR as you ran into the lawyers office. Would you call yourself greedy? I think not!
Belinda, you stand up for your son’s rights and don’t let any of these jerks tell you that you’re wrong.
God Bless you and your family.
By Pizen
September 11, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
Maybe I should sue the AJC for not posting a warning that these blogs may contain material that is dangerous to my health. But here’s a question - if the Crocs had a label on it saying that wearing these shoes, which are analagous to open-toed shoes despite their construction, would the parents then taken the Crocs off the kid’s feet before going to the airport? I wonder.
I propose putting a label on a hammer. Warning - striking yourself in the head with this item may cause injuries.
By m
September 11, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Excellent! Sue the company? It is certainly a sad event that your child was injured. What happened to parental responsibility? Son, be careful, stand in the center not next to the edge of the escalator, let me hold your hand, be careful, etc… Most folks would consider escalators to pose a danger to anyone not being careful. Shall we use that $2,000,000 to cover warning labels for all shoes with straps, laces, or buckles? I hope your son recovers from his injuries, you and your husband from your anguish, and your husband is cured of his get rich quick victim centric mindset through the loss of this unnecessary lawsuit.
By marthanne
September 11, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
4 year olds have no business wearing crocs — they must be the latest IN shoe for kids — and a 4 year old at that!!! i would say the parents are at fault — like one person said the kid may have screamed for them!!! and sorry you are having such a tramatic time — it’s your own fault — the guilt of it happening because you let the kid wear the shoes must be killing you
By JG
September 11, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
This is just another BS lawsuit that costs everybody money and puts money into the lawyers hands. Nobody seems to want to accept blame themselves anymore. Everything is someone elses fault. Do you really think that a warning label is really going to make a difference. Don’t try to say it’s not the money. You know that you’re doing it for the money. Shame on you Bortz for supporting this, but I forgot that you use to be an attorney.
By Spud Webb
September 11, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
wjj did Neil say what the mother was doing at the time of the incident? I don’t listen to the show (for no particular reason, I just don’t). I’m curious as to what he said though about what Mom was doing? Thanks
By Alicia
September 11, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
If the money will belong to the kid, let him sue the real culprits; HIS PARENTS !!
By This is nonsense!
September 11, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
When I was 8 and sledding on a sled with metal rails, the rail hinges froze, I couldnt steer and left 3 of my front teeth in a tree, 2 others had to be pulled. Very serious injuries but never once did my family consider suing the sled maker,IT WAS AN ACCIDENT!! I have a row of false teeth and no “trust fund” The extent of the childs injuries should not be the justification for the lawsuit, either it was the Crocs fault or it wasnt, whether it was a scratch or severed toes! I find it very hard to beleive the shoes are responsible for this. I practically have to carry my 45 year old wife up and down escalators to keep her safe, why didnt the parents consider the risks in this case when a 4 year old is involved? Boortz defense of this exposed a hypocracy I never saw in him before.
By Alicia
September 11, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
If the money will belong to the kid, let him sue the real culprits; HIS PARENTS !!
By KMA
September 11, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
Who wouldn’t like to give thier kid a $2M trust fund?!? This is just WAY TOO FUNNY listening to Bortz try and defend your greed. If it was ANYONE else, he would use his usual “these parants are always trying to blame someone else…” What a joke!
By Alicia
September 11, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
If the money will belong to the kid, let him sue the real culprits; HIS PARENTS !!
By marthanne
September 11, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
ohhhh i didn’t know all belinda wants is a warning label on the shoe (a shoe?) and again it’s not really a shoe!!!! that’s like putting a warning on a wadding pool to not dive in — or at the top of a ladder not to tilt to one side — or an electrical socket not to put your finger in it — are there really people out there who are so dumb they would do those things if the warning wasn’t there??? and i think there are signs at the top and bottom of escalaters showing an adult holding the hand of a child with a statement to stand in the center of the step — my opinion of her and boortz has taken a nose dive — and i’ll bet they lose some listeners after this — good!