Sex Change After Accident (Press, 20 May 1985)
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Summary: Sex Change After Accident (Press, 20 May 1985)
On 20 May 1985, a Detroit jury awarded over US$1 million (NZ$2.2 million) in damages to Joseph Pickens, a 23-year-old transsexual who claimed that a bicycle accident involving a Pepsi-Cola truck in 1978 played a significant role in shaping his female identity. The jury determined that Pickens would receive US$1.07 million (NZ$3.74 million) from the Pepsi-Cola bottling group, intended to cover future lost wages and emotional distress stemming from the accident. Pickens, who prefers to be called Tiffany, expressed relief at the conclusion of the trial, stating he would focus on his mental well-being and planned to undergo a sex change operation. The incident in question occurred in September 1978 when Pickens was struck by the Pepsi-Cola truck. He testified that the impact caused the handlebars of his bicycle to hit him in the genitals, an injury he claimed triggered a previously unrecognised inclination towards his female identity. Sanford Roth, Pickens’ attorney, argued that the accident exacerbated Pickens' pre-existing sexual identity disorder. He commented that the case supports a psychiatric theory that Pickens was largely unaware of his predisposition to this disorder prior to the incident. In contrast, Stephen Foley, the lawyer representing Pepsi-Cola, indicated that he would recommend appealing the jury's decision. Foley pointed out that Pickens displayed effeminate behaviours before the accident, claiming that the truck incident did not solely account for his gender identity. Following the accident, Pickens reported a period of impotence lasting two to three months, during which he relocated to Florida and entered into a gay marriage. After this, he returned to Detroit, where he engaged in prostitution and endured three suicide attempts over the following three years. The jury's award is expected to increase due to accumulating interest, potentially adding at least US$500,000 (NZ$1.1 million) to the total compensation.
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