Woman Attacked by Duck Files $275,000 Lawsuit

by
posted on May 26, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
dogs_ah2015_fs.jpg (32)

Cynthia Ruddell of Washougal, Oregon, says she'd just stepped out of her motor home on May 7, 2012, when a neighbor's pet duck viciously attacked her. According to Ruddell's lawyer, the clearly undisciplined duck "flapped its wings at her and knocked her back." As Ruddell attempted to escape the crazed white bird, she fell backward, causing her to break her right wrist in two places, sprain her elbow and injure her rotator cuff. A rather unfortunate series of events, no?

Ruddell was understandably upset. Those are serious injuries. And, according to her lawyer, neighbors had previously "indicated this duck was a crazy duck that attacked kids at the school bus stop and other people before." So, perhaps the duck's owner, Lolita Rose, warranted a talking to. Instead Ruddell has chosen to sue her to the tune of $275,000.

I have so many questions.

I've suffered injuries over the years that were similar in nature to Ruddell's, though they did not occur simultaneously and none involved ducks. Is the pain and suffering of her injuries truly worth upwards of a quarter million dollars?

Does the typical owner of a pet duck have access to $275,000?

Did the duck continue attacking Ruddell after she fell down, or did it seek medical help?

Ducks have caused me much pain and suffering over the years: Flaring just as the shot was called; buzzing the decoys when my back was turned; or just plain not showing up at all. Who can I sue?

Latest

Mule Deer In Meadow
Mule Deer In Meadow

Muleys The Old Way: Traditional Muzzleloading

Aram von Benedikt and his son took part in one of the oldest American traditions there is: muzzleloading for deer with a traditional smokepole. Read on for more about their adventure.

MSU Deer Lab Celebrates 50 Years

For 50 years the Mississippi State University (MSU) Deer Lab—a partnership between the university’s Forest and Wildlife Research Center (FWRC) and MSU Extension Service in Starkville, Miss.—has delivered nationally recognized research on deer biology, habitat management and land stewardship.

#SundayGunday: Our Top 5 in 2025

Sitting on your couch in an eggnog stupor, wrapping paper still draped off every chair in sight? Still procrastinating getting up, cleaning, up or any sort of behavior that could be remotely described as productive? Here's something to keep you further occupied in your sedentary state. Read on, to check out our Top 5 #SundayGundays of 2025, as selected by you, our audience.

How to Make Woodstove Jerky

Homemade jerky is a staple with a lot of hunters. Deer, antelope, moose and elk all make excellent jerky. Surprisingly, geese do too. In fact, most any game animal will make palatable jerky. Here's how to make it with nothing but a woodstove, a knife and maybe some shears.

Three Whitetail Traps to Set for Close Shots

Your whitetail hunting location may be as expansive as a national forest or as small as an uncle’s 40-acre woodlot. In either scenario, whitetails have a knack for slipping by just out of shooting range. Whether using a firearm or archery equipment, you do have options to lure whitetails closer. Consider setting a trap this season for your best opportunity at an ethical, in-your-face shot.

Hardware Review: Ravin LR Crossbow

Looking for a new crossbow that packs some serious punch? Look no further than the Ravin LR. Check out Brian McCombie's review of it below.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.