Who is wrong here?

[RyanM]

What is the name of your state? Pennsylvania

Alright, this may seem like a dumb question but I would just like some opinions and this seems like a great place for that. I'll just tell the story and try to be as unbiased as possible. I am a University of Pittsburgh student and so is my roomate. One night us two and a number of our friends went out to the bars and did a bit of drinking, everyone got drunk and whatnot and then came back to my apartment. I found a few other people who had left early standing outside of my apartment which had the door locked and my roomate inside, there is basically no way he didnt hear them outside (we are in a very tight alleyway and a car door slamming in the morning can wake you up). So I proceeded to go through one of the windows to unlock the door and let them in. I went upstairs to see what was going on and my roomate was there. I asked him why he didn't let them in and he said that he didn't hear them or something similar, then I told him that he was really irritating me. I said something along the lines of "I could just punch you right now," not intending to at all. He then proceeded to get up and say "Hit me then, go ahead Ryan, do it," so I did. Keep in mind that we are both definately still intoxicated. That was the end of that, no more punching or anything. I then went downstairs and later he came down and there was agreement that he was fine from everyone there (about 6 or 7 people). No one thought he needed any medical attention, no blood or anything. The next day he proceeds to go to the emergency room at the hospital on the next block for treatment he thinks he needs. When he came back he told me that the physician said that she could maybe give him one stitch, I am guessing that she seemed uncertain about the need for any, but my roomate insisted on two stitches.

So this is what brings me here. Today I see a bill downstairs for around 150 dollars and a note that says "Ryan write me a check for this amount." I am wondering if I have to pay this since he went to an emergency room for an injury that obviously did not require that kind of attention. Also the more important question is, am I right in my position of saying that this is not my fault. Even of a question not concerning money, who is at fault here? If this were in front of a judge, what way would the decision go? So in conclusion, my main question is, should I pay this?

Also, if you could also post your knowledge of the law, like position or something similar, that would be great. But I appreciate any kind of feedback from anyone.

Thanks you for your time,
Ryan

[rmet4nzkx]

Ryan,
You are wrong.
Pay him the money and then join AA.

[RyanM]

We were both drunk, I dont know if i mentioned that or not, sorry if I didnt. AA not needed, thanks anyways though.

[rmet4nzkx]

Originally Posted by RyanM

We were both drunk, I dont know if i mentioned that or not, sorry if I didnt. AA not needed, thanks anyways though.

Yes I know you both were drunk.
You assulted him.
Pay him the money.
Go to AA, tell them this story and see if they believe you don't need to join.
Invite your roomate to go as well.

[RyanM]

But he clearly asked me to, thats where I see the problem. If I went down the street and got drunk and asked someone to hit me and they did, could I sue them? That is just what I dont understand. I also don't see how AA is an authority on this either. I am far from an alcoholic, I'm a 21 year old student and I get good grades and all that. I barely have time to drink.

[rmet4nzkx]

Originally Posted by RyanM

But he clearly asked me to, thats where I see the problem. If I went down the street and got drunk and asked someone to hit me and they did, could I sue them? That is just what I dont understand. I also don't see how AA is an authority on this either. I am far from an alcoholic, I'm a 21 year old student and I get good grades and all that. I barely have time to drink.

The coffee is free at AA meetings. [url]www.pghaa.org/[/url]

[AHA]

Originally Posted by RyanM

But he clearly asked me to, thats where I see the problem.

Just because a drunkard asks you to do something stupid, doesn't mean you HAVE to do it. If someone asked you to jump in front of a bus, would you do it?
If alcohol makes you comply with such idiotic actions, you should never drink again.

[RyanM]

Haha thanks, I took the questionaire but I only answered yes to one. Maybe I'll hit up that free coffee though.

[RyanM]

AHA,

The question is not about the drinking. For the record thats the biggest "fight" I've ever been in and I've drank plenty of times. So I would say that "doing idiotic things" when I'm drinking isnt the question. Second, the bus analogy is fairly out there, when you try to compare things shouldnt they be similar? Look at what I said above, if I went down the road and asked someone to hit me and they did, youre saying that I could sue them?

Thanks,
Ryan

[CdwJava]

You struck him, you caused injury ... you may have two choices: Pay the bill, or take a chance that he might go to the police and you get arrested for aggravated assault.

Your call.

From a civil point of view you are guilty anyway - YOU hit him, you caused the injury. $150 is cheap for an E.R. visit.

NOTE: This is a first degree felony in PA.

- Carl

[RyanM]

Originally Posted by AHA

but you're not likely to win if you instigated the thing you are suing for. So just be glad your "friend" hasn't sued YOU.

Thats exactly what I'm saying, you made my point, HE instigated me hitting him. He instigated it and now is asking me for money. Understand? He is still my roomate too.

[justalayman]

Haha thanks, I took the questionaire but I only answered yes to one. Maybe I'll hit up that free coffee though.

Well Ryan, that is a sure sign of denial. I looked up the questionaire and answering it for you knowing only what you have posted and there a 3 very possible yes's.

[RyanM]

I need to say yes to 4, almost there I guess. And the context of those questions doesnt really apply to one instance of one little thing in my opinion.

[CdwJava]

Originally Posted by RyanM

Thats exactly what I'm saying, you made my point, HE instigated me hitting him. He instigated it and now is asking me for money. Understand? He is still my roomate too.

But YOU hit him ... YOU committed the act that caused the injury.

You also committed a felony.

- Carl

[justalayman]

Originally Posted by RyanM

Thats exactly what I'm saying, you made my point, HE instigated me hitting him. He instigated it and now is asking me for money. Understand? He is still my roomate too.

OK, let's take it a step further with more severe consequenses.

You and your buddy are drunk. There is a gun on the table. He tells you to shoot him because he has always wondered what it would be like to get shot.

You shoot him.

Do you think there will be charges against you? You betcha there will be.

If you kill him, they will be even greater. The only difference is the weapon and the severity of the injury. You still did the damage, you are still responsible, you still owe the $150.