Laser Mishap Leads to Dispute Over Damaged iPhone
In an unusual case on Judge Judy, Skylor and Garrett faced off over a damaged iPhone after Skylor claimed that Garrett intentionally pointed a powerful laser at her phone while she was recording a Snapchat video. Skylor, the plaintiff, argued that Garrett’s actions caused her iPhone to be “fried,” rendering it unusable.
Garrett, the defendant, denied intentionally damaging the phone and insisted that he did not know the laser would cause such harm. The case revolved around whether Garrett’s use of the laser was reckless or accidental and whether Skylor was entitled to compensation for the damaged device.
Skylor, standing at the podium, began her explanation. “Your Honor, I was filming a Snapchat video when Garrett pointed a laser at my iPhone. I didn’t realize what he was doing until my phone started malfunctioning, and it completely stopped working. It was a brand new phone, and it was destroyed by that laser. I’m asking for compensation for the phone because it was clearly Garrett’s fault.”
Judge Judy’s tone turned sharp. “So, you’re claiming that Garrett intentionally pointed a laser at your phone, and that’s why it stopped working? Do you have any evidence of the phone being damaged by the laser?”
Skylor handed over a report from the Apple Store, which showed that her phone’s internal components were fried and irreparable. “Here, Your Honor. The technician at the store said that the laser could have damaged the phone’s internal circuitry.”
Judge Judy turned to Garrett, who was seated across from Skylor. “Mr. Garrett, how do you respond to these allegations? Did you point a laser at her phone, and if so, did you know it would cause damage?”
Garrett, appearing defensive, replied, “Your Honor, I did point the laser, but I didn’t mean to cause any damage. It wasn’t intentional. I thought the laser would just be harmless, and I didn’t realize it would ruin her phone. It was a joke, and I didn’t think anything would happen.”
Judge Judy raised an eyebrow. “You didn’t think anything would happen? You pointed a powerful laser at her phone, and you thought it would be harmless? What did you think the laser was going to do?”
Garrett shifted uncomfortably. “I didn’t think it would mess up her phone. I just thought it would be funny, but I didn’t realize it could do that kind of damage.”
Judge Judy’s expression grew stern. “Mr. Garrett, lasers, especially powerful ones, can cause significant damage. If you pointed a laser at her phone and caused that kind of destruction, you need to take responsibility. You didn’t just ‘joke’ around — you used something dangerous without thinking about the consequences.”
Turning to Skylor, Judge Judy added, “Ms. Skylor, it’s clear that your phone was damaged, and the report shows that the damage was likely caused by the laser. I understand that you may have been filming a video, but you also need to be aware of the risks when using devices in certain environments. However, this case is about Garrett’s actions and whether they were reckless.”
After considering both sides, Judge Judy delivered her ruling. “Mr. Garrett, while I understand that this may have been a ‘joke’ to you, it’s clear that your actions caused damage to Skylor’s phone. You should have known better than to point a powerful laser at someone’s phone, especially when it could have serious consequences. I’m ordering that you compensate Skylor for the cost of her phone, as it was your reckless behavior that caused the damage.”
Though the article does not specify the exact amount Garrett was ordered to pay, the decision was clear: Garrett was held responsible for the damage caused by his careless actions.
As the gavel came down, Skylor walked away with compensation for her phone, while Garrett learned a costly lesson about the dangers of playing with powerful devices. In Judge Judy
’s courtroom, recklessness — even when meant as a joke — has real consequences, especially when someone’s property is harmed.
