On Tuesday, Denise Barton, filed a suit against Santa Monica over health problems she claims which were caused by the city's new parking meters. Barton is suing the city for approximately $1.7 billion.
Apparently, the newly installed smart meters installed in the city have caused ailments such as neck pain and ear infections by the wireless signal emitted by the meters.
"I know it seems a little big...but they can't do things that affect people's health without their consent. I think that's wrong," according to reports by Santa Monica Daily Press.
According to the Daily Press, "not long after the meters began rolling out" did Barton start showing the various symptoms.
The new meters were installed in 2011, they are referred to as "smart meters" because they can detect when a vehicle enters or leaves a parking spot and adjust the timer accordingly. The city of Santa Monica claims the wireless emission is at a very low level, and extends only up to eight feet of the meter.
Assistant Finance Director Don Patterson told the Santa Monica Daily Press, "The Wi-Fi is very low level and only communicates between the meter and the sensor, about 5 to 8 feet... It's the same as someone using a cell phone walking on the sidewalk...The meters comply with all necessary regulations related to wireless communication."
There have been no other complaints regarding health issues caused by the meters, except from that of Barton.
And although the dangers of wireless radiation and signals, particularly from cell phones and other such gadgets is a proven fact, Barton's attorneys probably think they have enough evidentiary support to make the case. However, one must wonder, if that be the case, can't anyone sue a cellphone carrier for health-related issues?
