CONGRESSMAN DAN BURTON INTRODUCES “SAVANNAH’S LAW”

(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Dan Burton [R-IN-05] announced that he has introduced H.R. 5494, known as “Savannah’s Law”, to revise the bankruptcy code in order to ensure that an individual can not file bankruptcy in cases where permanent disability results from personal injury. Currently, the bankruptcy code does not make exceptions for cases of permanent disability.

Said Burton, “This bill is designed to make sure that Americans permanently injured because of someone else’s mistake get the care they need.” 

Burton introduced this legislation responding to the concerns of his constituent Sheri Reece and her daughter Savannah. In 2003, Sheri was in a terrible automobile accident while she was pregnant with Savannah. Sheri suffered multiple injuries, but unborn Savannah suffered severe brain damage. Savannah, now 4 years old, is unable to sit, stand, walk, dress or feed herself and requires around the clock care. Sheri was offered a settlement by the insurance company which was severely insufficient to provide Savannah the care she requires and prohibits any further legal action. If the Reece family declines the settlement and moves forward with a lawsuit, the federal bankruptcy court can discharge any judgment she might get from the state civil courts and Savannah would again be denied the necessary care.
 
Concluded Burton, “I was very upset when I heard the story of the Reece family. The individual that caused this wreck has caused irreparable harm to an entire family. It is important that our laws protect those unfortunate victims of personal injury that results in permanent disability.”

###