Unusual Civil Assault Case Going to Trial in Houston, Texas
A civil assault case pending in Houston against Victoria Osteen is set for trial this week. Mrs. Osteen is the co-pastor of Houston’s Lakewood Church and the wife of Joel Osteen, well known author and her co-pastor. The facts as contained in the FAA report on the incident are rather bizarre: apparently Victoria was upset over her dirty seat in the first class section on a flight to Vail back in 2005. According to the report, after she complained about the seat, she followed a flight attendant to the cockpit when she pushed and elbowed another flight attendant in an attempt to get to the cockpit. The FAA fined the brawling pastor $3,000 for interfering with a crew member during flight.
Assault cases are usually only found in criminal courts. It is extremely unusual to find one in the civil system—where the relief sought is compensation. I frequently receive calls from folks who were “beat up” or otherwise assaulted. Why do I not take these cases? The main reason is there is no way to ever obtain any monetary compensation for my client. Insurance policies do not cover “intentional acts”—which is just what an assault is. And most folks do not have the financial means to pay a judgment against them. Sometimes the injured party might be eligible to receive some compensation through the Crime Victims’ Compensation Program, and I advise them of that possibility. So what makes the Victoria Osteen case the exception to the rule? She has money! She has hired a well known attorney (who does not come cheap, I assume) and is prepared to fight this case. It should be a very interesting trial, although the facts are not that interesting. If true, Mrs. Osteen should know better than to act like that. I have no idea about the alleged injuries by the plaintiff, but the better have some good evidence or she will look like she is being greedy suing the wealthy pastor. All in all, this is not your typical case.
