Judge Doesn't Buy Shy Bladder Defense

A judge flushed away fired sanitation worker's lawsuit that claimed the city unfairly dismissed him because of his shy bladder. Last year, Jerry Medard was required to give a urine sample for a mandatory drug test after being arrested for pot possession (charges that were later dropped). His first urine sample was too hot (Medard's lawyer suggests it could have been placed next to a "someone's coffee cup" or "someone's hot plate" - ew) and then later supervised attempts to produce a sample were unsuccessful, in spite of Medard drinking loads of water. The city fired Medard, who then sued for his job back.

Judge Emily Jane Goodman ruled against Medard, finding his firing "not in bad faith" and noted that other courts have rejected shy bladder claims, not to mention that Medard never previously mentioned he had this problem and was able to give the initial sample. Medard's lawyer Steven Kirschner said this experience was when his client realized he had a shy bladder: "People say, 'Ah, what an excuse' But the vast majority of people have never had to give a urine sample under supervision."

According to the Shy Bladder Institute, 7% are afflicted with paruresis. We wonder if Medard's lawyer produced this Dilbert cartoon (PDF) as evidence.

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By Jen Chung in News on July 25, 2007 2:20 PM

Comments [rss]

maevro

I am now a substance abuse therapist but I was once on NYC probation and having to give a toxicology in a tiny bathroom with mirrors everywhere and a huge guy standing behind you is not the easiest thing to do. Trust me, it is not the same as going to the mens room at the Yankees game and being around 30 other men, this plays on your nerves.

A lot of my clients have trouble doing the same thing and I give toxicology tests over 10 times a day. I love how people who have no idea are so quick to comment.

guest

i have never had a problem in my life urinating in front of other people until i went to rehab and had to give a sample in front of a crazy-haired psychologist. it's completely different from peeing in a urinal with someone next to you, and it's really hard for a lot more than 7% of the population.

guest

Who cares if garbage men smoke dope?

It should be illegal for employers to test for drugs (except maybe for pilots and politicians).

guest

Surest 100% cure for a shy bladder from Baker's "The Mezzanine": imagine you are pissing on the guy's face who is standing next to you at the urinals. Works everytime.

joeBoy

[1] LOL!

guest

How about the more eggregious offence of losing your job as a garbage man because you were caught smoking herb. Wow, thanks Dept. o' Sanitation, I feel so much safer now that this dangerous terrorist is off the streets.

guest

not true #2. i have a nice sized one and i get shy sometimes.

sarahlucy

I'm sorry, there's a Shy Bladder Institute? And people work there? And study shy bladders? For a living? So many questions.

guest

He sure pissed away his future!

guest

Embarrasment caused by small penis size is the root behind "shy bladder syndrome".

A man with a huge penis is proud to whip it out everywhere, and show his pride and joy.