Broken Finger Earns Woman Record $220,000

dancing twirl has won a $220,000 jury award --- a record for one-finger damages in Georgia. Linda K. Powers' award in Fulton State Court last week was $200,000 higher than any previously documented award for one broken finger. The loser was Michael D. Lastufka, with whom Powers didn't want to dance with anyway, according to her.

The suit claims that on the night of May 23, 1997, Powers and her husband left their houseboat on Lake Lanier to meet friends at the Marina Beach Club. They gave Lastufka a ride to the club, and once there, the suit said, he "attempted to slow dance with Mrs. Powers, holding her very closely and tightly."

Powers, the suit said, told Lastufka she didn't want to dance with him any more, and her husband Kevin warned him off, but Lastufka grabbed her hand and pulled her on the floor, where he "carelessly and negligently gripped (her) hand and moved to twirl her." However, Lastufka maintained his grip on her hand, thus breaking her right ring finger.

After surgery and therapy, Powers' doctors said she could no longer work as a dental hygienist. Lastufka's homeowner's insurance is expected to cover the judgment.