Couch’s Rehab Program Costs Texan Taxpayers Thousands

Austin, TX (Law Firm Newswire) August 28, 2014 – Many Texans still feel that Ethan Couch should have gone to jail for killing four people and paralyzing another.

“As many recall, Couch was a young Texas teen who killed four and paralyzed one after causing an while driving under the influence. He is currently in a rehab program which costs $438,000 a year. “Affluenza” took on a new meaning in this case. Taxpayers are now sustaining the affluenza epidemic, footing the bill for 17-year-old Couch’s stay in the North Texas State Hospital,” said Bobby Lee, an Austin personal injury lawyer who represents plaintiffs in DUI/DWI cases.

Recent media reports revealed that the hospital’s rehabilitation program costs $700 per day, with a portion of that amount funded by the state. It means the young man’s wealthy parents only pay $38 a day for his treatment. The Couch family has been sued for millions by the four families who lost loved ones when the pickup truck Couch was driving collided with a stalled vehicle, killing the driver and three others attempting to help. The fourth victim was thrown from the truck, landing on his head. He survived but is permanently paralyzed and only retains the ability to blink and smile.

“Has justice been served in this case? That’s a tough question. Certainly the teen went to court and had a trial, but in the end, landed in a place that does not seem to do justice to the memory of the four lives lost because he chose to drink and drive. Does this raise questions about due process? Yes. It raises hard questions about justice and how it is served,” added Lee. “More so when the teen is able to access stables and a high-tech gym with ease.”

While perhaps questionable, it appears the court felt the ruling it made was the best course because the teen had the potential to change and become a productive member of society. “But in the meantime, four families are struggling to get through each day, trying to come to terms with the loss of a family member. Hopefully, this young teen has the potential to emerge from therapy and turn his life around by testifying to others why it is a poor choice to drink and drive,” Lee added.

Would justice be served then? “If he does realize he could save other lives, that would be justice served later.”

To learn more, visit http://www.lgrlawfirm.com

Lee, Gober & Reyna
11940 Jollyville Road #220-S
Austin, Texas 78759
Phone: 512.478.8080

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