The Internet’s Least Favourite Aunt Explains Why She Sued A 12-Year-Old

Hug life.

If you were on the internet yesterday, you no doubt happened upon the harrowing story of Jennifer Connell, a New York aunt who was hugged so viciously by a child, her wrist broke, causing her to... (*wipes tear*) have difficulty “holding a tray of hors d’oeuvres.”

The 54-year-old sued her “nephew” Sean – technically, the boy is the son of a cousin – for $US127,000, because of an overly enthusiastic snuggle he conducted at the age of eight.

Understandably, the internet sided with the child, now 12, and rushed to deem Connell as, basically, the worst person to have ever lived.

It only took 40 minutes for jurors to decide they were going to side with the little boy on this matter too.

With the case now in the rear-view mirror and her reputation in tatters, Connell explained to CNN why she had taken actions many of us would deem unthinkable.

"This was meant to be a simple homeowners insurance case… Connecticut law is such that I was advised by counsel that this is the way a suit is meant to be worded,” she explained.

As the injury had taken place on her cousin’s property - at the boy’s birthday party, no less – Connell was seeking compensation for her “medical costs” and “lost wages” through their insurance company.

However, in Connecticut, an individual needs to be named in the suit, not the insurance company.

"I adore this child. I would never want to hurt him. He would never want to hurt me," she added, noting that they recently went Halloween costume shopping together.

The Guardian sought the advice of experts on Connell's explanation, who confirmed that the very strange wording of this case is “perfectly plausible.”

According to Tom Baker, professor at the University of Pennsylvania and specialist in insurance law, “[this] doesn’t sound to me like anything other than someone following the rules.”

“One must question why these are the rules, but it’s hard to blame her. You go into the legal system, get told what to do, all of a sudden you get flamed online. I’d be upset if I were her,” he added.

One thing's for certain: be careful with your hug grip, everyone.