NZ : Woman on oxygen dies after power cut

[UglyMowgli]

WELLINGTON, New Zealand - A 44-year-old woman who needed an electric oxygen pump to breathe died after an energy company cut the power to her home because of a $122 unpaid bill, her family claimed Wednesday.

Police said they had launched an investigation into Folole Muliaga's death, which happened within two hours of state-owned company Mercury Energy cutting power to her house Tuesday.
Mercury Energy's general manager, James Moulder, said the company was devastated by the woman's death and was conducting its own investigation to determine what happened. Muliaga, a schoolteacher with four children between the ages of 5 and 20, had been off work since February with an illness.
A Mercury Energy representative arrived on Tuesday at her home in the northern city of Auckland to disconnect the electricity, said Brenden Sheehan, Muliaga's nephew-in-law.
Sheehan said both Muliaga and her son told the technician she was dependent on the oxygen machine to stay alive and invited him into the house to see it. "Then he cut the power off," Sheehan told The Associated Press.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070530/ap_on_re_au_an/new_zealand_unpaid_bill;_ylt=AjJQoSpXn1d2rCSs8vi19 n0fYhAF

[GakunGak]

The man should be hanged without prosecution or in the guattanamo bay for life or in a death row!!!!!:arrgh!:

[jumpy]

yay! lets hear it for the pennies that were saved! :roll:
Heartless bastard, I bet he was a traffic warden in a former life too.

[Nightmare]

Might not be a popular question to ask (but it should), but was there any statement as to why she didn't pay her bill? I don't know about anybody else, but if I were dependant on an electric oxygen pump to breath I'd be paying (or if I couldn't, my family would be) that electric bill the day it arrived in the mail. Hell, I'd have a backup generator installed in my house just in case of power loss!

[Frau_Phillips]

A terrible accident, surely, but if the power company had no record of her being on oxygen, it really isn't their fault. It's simply procedure, I've had my power cut several times due to a missed bill.

[SUBMAN1]

Might not be a popular question to ask (but it should), but was there any statement as to why she didn't pay her bill? I don't know about anybody else, but if I were dependant on an electric oxygen pump to breath I'd be paying (or if I couldn't, my family would be) that electric bill the day it arrived in the mail. Hell, I'd have a backup generator installed in my house just in case of power loss!

It is quite common for illnesses to force you to choose between paying your electric bill or paying for the medical treatment you so desperately need.

Also, under long term illness, she probably doesn't have much income, and if she has no savings either, she probably can't pay her electric bill.

-S

[Letum]

Would she have seen a similar fate if there was power failure due to a storm or repair work on the grid? Would she have died if a faulty hair drier blew her mains fuse?

No doubt the electric company where idiots, but we have at least one non-bill related power failure a year here so I would NEVER trust my life to a mains plug.

[Jimbuna]

That power company employee has got to live with that on his conscience for the rest of his life :yep:
I wish I could say the same of the company :down:

[micky1up]

Might not be a popular question to ask (but it should), but was there any statement as to why she didn't pay her bill? I don't know about anybody else, but if I were dependant on an electric oxygen pump to breath I'd be paying (or if I couldn't, my family would be) that electric bill the day it arrived in the mail. Hell, I'd have a backup generator installed in my house just in case of power loss!

that is of no consequence weather she paid the bill or not a medical dependant should never have the electricity cut off in the uk if you have children they cannot do this unless you have an alternate way of heating the house this man should be jailed for murder and his boss for culpable homoside

[Skybird]

Main news (ZDF) minutes ago said that she had payed several smaller sums that she could afford to illustrate her good will to the company. They showed the bank tickets that proved that. Family said they had told the company that their mother was depending on that machine - company said they don't know of that.

I would be more cautious to doom the worker who cut the line in the house. He was doing his job for which he had been sent, and without doubt he is being told heartwarming stories a several times a day.

I see the major responsebility probably with the company.

No info on the background of the family, though, which I also would like to know before making a final verdict.

[Nightmare]

Might not be a popular question to ask (but it should), but was there any statement as to why she didn't pay her bill? I don't know about anybody else, but if I were dependant on an electric oxygen pump to breath I'd be paying (or if I couldn't, my family would be) that electric bill the day it arrived in the mail. Hell, I'd have a backup generator installed in my house just in case of power loss!

It is quite common for illnesses to force you to choose between paying your electric bill or paying for the medical treatment you so desperately need.

Also, under long term illness, she probably doesn't have much income, and if she has no savings either, she probably can't pay her electric bill.

-S
That is very true, however according to a different article on this same story, the electric company had sent several disconnect notices to the residence over a 6-7 week period. Common sense says that if you don't pay your electric bill, they are going to shut off your power. It's not like they came over the minute the bill was late to shut everything down. They gave her ample opportunity to do something.

All I'm saying is, if it's a matter of life or death to keep the power on, then she (or someone from the family) should have called either when they realized they couldn't pay the bill or when they received their first disconnect notice and worked something out with the power company. Every company that I have monthly bills with can and do offer monthly payment plans and deferred payments. Failing that, ask for help from family and friends.

To those that might label me as heartless, I do understand what it’s like to not be able to afford to live and be in debt for 100’s of thousands of dollars in medical bills. My best friend was hit by a speeding car that was running a red light while he was crossing a cross walk. Because the car took off after hitting him (hit-and-run) and that the police were never able to track down the car or the driver, he was left to pay out of pocket for all his medical bills. He ended up having to sell off everything he owned and move in with his father to afford to live and pay his medical bills since his injuries have rendered him unable to work.

[HunterICX]

The employee is not to be blamed as he did what the higher staff told him to do.

if there is someone that needs to pay for this horrible accident is the company and directed to the persons who decided that the power had to be cutt off.

a horrible loss.

[tycho102]

It's a wicked situation no matter the perspective. In cases like these, I usually recommend to just start blasting incumbents and let God sort them all out. Well, either that or just vote them out of office.

I like China's style (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/05/29/health/main2860989.shtml), though. Imagine the hurricane Katrina response if Blanco and Nagin were in China and stood a good chance of getting hooked up to one of those mobile execution chambers (http://www.dvorak.org/blog/?p=5754). The national guard would have been in there 24 hours prior and the entire city (including hospital patients) would have already been evacuated. Dude, there would have been results like someone's life depended on it.

However, the chick should have forseen the small issue (her life depending on electrical power) and taken steps to prevent such an occurance.

[The Avon Lady]

If you read the original article, it says that the technician was told by the family when he came to disconnect the electricity about their mother's dependence. How clear this message was to the technician is what's important. Orders from HQ are no excuse if the consequences were that obvious.

Now it's a question of what exactly were the circumstances here.

[FIREWALL]

If you read the original article, it says that the technician was told by the family when he came to disconnect the electricity about their mother's dependence. How clear this message was to the technician is what's important. Orders from HQ are no excuse if the consequences were that obvious.

Now it's a question of what exactly were the circumstances here.


The family was there?

They didn't get her any medical assistance immediatly?

They didn't call paramedics or police?

New Zealand isn't that behind the times is it?

The familys story has a lot of holes in it.:down:

[Heibges]

If you read the original article, it says that the technician was told by the family when he came to disconnect the electricity about their mother's dependence. How clear this message was to the technician is what's important. Orders from HQ are no excuse if the consequences were that obvious.

Now it's a question of what exactly were the circumstances here.

Yep, the Nuremburg Defense has been soundly rejected many times. :)

[TteFAboB]

The familys story has a lot of holes in it.:down:

Indeed, it's quite odd. Didn't she had any neighbors? If my neighbor depended on the power line to live and her electricity was about to get cut I'd get her an extension or invite her to live in my house untill things got sorted out. I'd do even more if it were a member of my family. Bizzare.

[FIREWALL]

The familys story has a lot of holes in it.:down:

Indeed, it's quite odd. Didn't she had any neighbors? If my neighbor depended on the power line to live and her electricity was about to get cut I'd get her an extension or invite her to live in my house untill things got sorted out. I'd do even more if it were a member of my family. Bizzare.


You are so right. As it's been told the family was there. They didn't do anything. Very Strange.:hmm:

[The Avon Lady]

Bah! I can never find the extension cord when I need it. Happens to everybody.

[kiwi_2005]

The familys story has a lot of holes in it.:down:
Indeed, it's quite odd. Didn't she had any neighbors? If my neighbor depended on the power line to live and her electricity was about to get cut I'd get her an extension or invite her to live in my house untill things got sorted out. I'd do even more if it were a member of my family. Bizzare.

Yes theirs discussions going on about this in kiwi forums, one is the power company will not turn of your power if you have a member that depends on it to survive but providing you prove to the company you have a sick member in the family - like a doctors statement.
Another power company came forward and said their options are all you have to do is ring to tell them and they will cancel the disconnection, then check up on it later.

I find it weird too why they did not take their mother straight over to the neighbours.:hmm: or rushed her to the hospital told them their situation, they would of hooked her up to a machine straight away...

[bookworm_020]

I woder why the family didn't tell the power company that she relied on the power conection to live? Why didn't they seek help for her? Why didn't she ask neigbours for assistance? Why didn't she ring for an abulance straight away?:hmm:

I think the family has some questions to answer. The power company could have been a bit more flexable, and a call to the place beforehand to let her know that she need to pay wouldn't have cost much. My power company did that when I didn't receive a bill, they didn't even charge me for it being overdue, they sent it to the wrong address!:doh:

This doesn't give much credit to either side, both are equal in blame for this.:down:

[Jimbuna]

I woder why the family didn't tell the power company that she relied on the power conection to live? Why didn't they seek help for her? Why didn't she ask neigbours for assistance? Why didn't she ring for an abulance straight away?:hmm:

I think the family has some questions to answer. The power company could have been a bit more flexable, and a call to the place beforehand to let her know that she need to pay wouldn't have cost much. My power company did that when I didn't receive a bill, they didn't even charge me for it being overdue, they sent it to the wrong address!:doh:

This doesn't give much credit to either side, both are equal in blame for this.:down:

Looking at the outcome here I would say there's a definite inequality :yep: A person on one side lost they're life :o

[GakunGak]

I woder why the family didn't tell the power company that she relied on the power conection to live? Why didn't they seek help for her? Why didn't she ask neigbours for assistance? Why didn't she ring for an abulance straight away?:hmm:

I think the family has some questions to answer. The power company could have been a bit more flexable, and a call to the place beforehand to let her know that she need to pay wouldn't have cost much. My power company did that when I didn't receive a bill, they didn't even charge me for it being overdue, they sent it to the wrong address!:doh:

This doesn't give much credit to either side, both are equal in blame for this.:down:

Looking at the outcome here I would say there's a definite inequality :yep: A person on one side lost they're life :o
Fully agree, jimbuna.

[cobalt]

oh welllll

[Iceman]

If you read the original article, it says that the technician was told by the family when he came to disconnect the electricity about their mother's dependence. How clear this message was to the technician is what's important. Orders from HQ are no excuse if the consequences were that obvious.

Now it's a question of what exactly were the circumstances here.


The family was there?

They didn't get her any medical assistance immediatly?

They didn't call paramedics or police?

New Zealand isn't that behind the times is it?

The familys story has a lot of holes in it.:down:

Yep ..if the family was right there and knew how serious the condition, if I were a prosecutor the family members would be in custody unfortunatley....it is not the power companies fault that people in the world are sick...what would have happened if it was out due to a storm for 2 hrs?.....again it is the familys fault.

[kiwi_2005]

Well what ive heard on the news now is the govenment might prosecute the power company (Mercury energy).

Also found out. When the power went off they did go see a neighbour but the mother did not want to be a hassle and refused to be shifted.

Other neighbours did offer assitance but she refused.

The guy who disconnected the power is devastated and seeking counselling.

Mercury Energy are being very arrogant trying to save face over the situation so the govenment is looked into it and their could be a court case over it, top heads of the company will roll.

Im with Mercury energy and never had problems with them also their power charges are very cheap. I pay approx $90 to $110 power bill each month - over here thats cheap!

I like cheap:lol::roll:

[Jimbuna]

The power company have a duty of care and responsibility to their customers...similarly as do the family to their loved one :hmm:
But the distinction one must make here is quite simply this:
It was as a direct consequence to a material/physical act by the power company that an individual died :yep:

[bookworm_020]

The power company have a duty of care and responsibility to their customers...similarly as do the family to their loved one :hmm:
But the distinction one must make here is quite simply this:
It was as a direct consequence to a material/physical act by the power company that an individual died :yep:
But the woman refused offers of help and assistance, as well as not informing the power company of her illness and the need to use power. This doesn't take away from the fault of the company, but the woman did contribute to the outcome.

[Iceman]

The power company have a duty of care and responsibility to their customers...similarly as do the family to their loved one :hmm:
But the distinction one must make here is quite simply this:
It was as a direct consequence to a material/physical act by the power company that an individual died :yep:

Wake up...the power company has the responsability of the health conditions of it's customers?.....wow a solution for America's health care problem...let the power company foot the bill.Get real....Just assume the power was knocked out from a storm....that person is responsible for themselves like everyone else and I don't think we need a written warning from the power company advising us if the power goes out be prepared...this is common sense here folks....

I want recompense when I lose food in the frig from when it goes out too....amazing people really are lawsuit happy.

Caution...use electricity at own Risk! XXX...not responsible for loss of power due to storms,lack of payment, or billing errors...good grief.

[Jimbuna]

The power company have a duty of care and responsibility to their customers...similarly as do the family to their loved one :hmm:
But the distinction one must make here is quite simply this:
It was as a direct consequence to a material/physical act by the power company that an individual died :yep:
But the woman refused offers of help and assistance, as well as not informing the power company of her illness and the need to use power. This doesn't take away from the fault of the company, but the woman did contribute to the outcome.

That the customer was partly contributable to the act is without doubt.
What the courts will weigh up is the fact that the company knowingly committed an act which they could reasonably have foreseen as resulting in a form of depravation to the customer. Therefore they should have taken reasonable steps to enquire if the cessation of the service would have any detrimental effect on the customer.

[bookworm_020]

The power company is now in more hot water over this due to a tape being released.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/Phone-cut-victim-irrelevant-contractor/2007/07/02/1183228999063.html

[AVGWarhawk]

A terrible accident, surely, but if the power company had no record of her being on oxygen, it really isn't their fault. It's simply procedure, I've had my power cut several times due to a missed bill.

The power company representative who came to cut off the power was told she needed electricity for the O2. They offered to show him as well. The ***** cut it off anyway. Ah, how is this not their fault???

[kiwi_2005]

Latest update if anyone still interested...

The family went round to the power company weeks before and arranged automatic payments with them , so they were putting down weekly payments, they had $100 or so dollars to go. But seems wasn't good enough for mercury...

Family is sueing the company for compensation.

About two weeks ago we mecury energy customers received a letter from mercury practically kissing ass on how sorry they were in treating one of their customers.:roll:

[Onkel Neal]

If you read the original article, it says that the technician was told by the family when he came to disconnect the electricity about their mother's dependence. How clear this message was to the technician is what's important. Orders from HQ are no excuse if the consequences were that obvious.

Now it's a question of what exactly were the circumstances here.


The family was there?

They didn't get her any medical assistance immediatly?

They didn't call paramedics or police?

New Zealand isn't that behind the times is it?

The familys story has a lot of holes in it.:down:

Agreed.

[AVGWarhawk]

Latest update if anyone still interested...

The family went round to the power company weeks before and arranged automatic payments with them , so they were putting down weekly payments, they had $100 or so dollars to go. But seems wasn't good enough for mercury...

Family is sueing the company for compensation.

About two weeks ago we mecury energy customers received a letter from mercury practically kissing ass on how sorry they were in treating one of their customers.:roll:

It is a travesty for sure. We suffer the same here in the states. The elderly are on a fixed income. The state of Maryland who has BGE is the electric supplier let them raise the electric by 70%. Almost damn twice the normal we are used to paying. The elderly now can not afford to run the airconditioners. There will be many who suffer from heat exhaustion and death. It is just outrageous. Sounds to me like they have a monoply just like our electric company. Nothing you can do...need the electricity and they have it. No were else to get it.:nope:

[Reaves]

If you read the original article, it says that the technician was told by the family when he came to disconnect the electricity about their mother's dependence. How clear this message was to the technician is what's important. Orders from HQ are no excuse if the consequences were that obvious.

Now it's a question of what exactly were the circumstances here.

The family was there?

They didn't get her any medical assistance immediatly?

They didn't call paramedics or police?

New Zealand isn't that behind the times is it?

The familys story has a lot of holes in it.:down:


:yep:
A sorry event but I can't help but assume we aren't getting the whole story.

Couldn't her family have asked a neighbour for assistance? I certainly wouldn't refuse to run an extension cable accross the road. Or allow her inside if it was the only option.

[August]

Do ya suppose the family deliberately let her die so they could bring a lawsuit against the electric company?

[Reaves]

Do ya suppose the family deliberately let her die so they could bring a lawsuit against the electric company?

I wouldn't jump to that conclusion but the sad thing is it's a possibility. Either way it doesn't seem as simple as what is being reported.

[kiwi_2005]

Do ya suppose the family deliberately let her die so they could bring a lawsuit against the electric company?

WTF! Dude you got to live in this country to really know whats its about. The answer to your questiuon is a firm no! But yeah i can see the reasons why, me for instance i would of asked the neighbours, or rush her off to the hospital meaning i would of done SOMETHING. I can't explain for this family but having what i know they were pretty useless if you ask me i mean we aint some 3th world country, there are many options they could of done to save their mum.

Really its their own fault but u got to lay some of the blame on Mercury energy.:hmm:

[August]

Do ya suppose the family deliberately let her die so they could bring a lawsuit against the electric company?
WTF! Dude you got to live in this country to really know whats its about. The answer to your questiuon is a firm no! But yeah i can see the reasons why, me for instance i would of asked the neighbours, or rush her off to the hospital meaning i would of done SOMETHING. I can't explain for this family but having what i know they were pretty useless if you ask me i mean we aint some 3th world country, there are many options they could of done to save their mum.

Really its their own fault but u got to lay some of the blame on Mercury energy.:hmm:

Sorry, i've been watching too many crime dramas lately.

[kiwi_2005]

No problem August i gotta snap out of it man! i feel like cause im a kiwi i shoud defend but the hell with it!

I dont care anymore :rotfl:

Go for it not my problem! :rotfl:

[Reaves]

Come on Kiwi I've seen the NZ version of cops. :p

It's not a problem with NZ it's a general bureaucracy problem that could have happened anywhere.

Anyway, I'm sorry about you being a New Zealander, could be worse though. Tasmania isn't far away. :rotfl:

[kiwi_2005]

thanks for the great aussie suppport man! :roll:

:rotfl: :arrgh!:

[Reaves]

thanks for the great aussie suppport man! :roll:

:rotfl: :arrgh!:

What can I say but GO WALLABIES!!! :p

You can't have an ANZAC without NZ.

[August]

No problem August i gotta snap out of it man! i feel like cause im a kiwi i shoud defend but the hell with it!

I dont care anymore :rotfl:

Go for it not my problem! :rotfl:

Well just for the record i wasn't making a national statement. Like Reaves says, that stuff can happen anywhere, and my country is no exception.