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Kaufman's suit initially requested a total of $6 million in damages from George and Gregory Soros, as a result of McKean's "serious physical injuries, trauma, stress and substantial pain and suffering," according to the complaint. However, the Chubb Insurance Company, which insures Soros' property against liability claims, offered $5,000 to settle the case, Kaufman said.

Kaufman rejected the offer, later countered with $45,000, and then lowered his price again.

"I lowered it to 33 (thousand). I heard nothing," Kaufman said, reflecting on his dealings with the White Plains, N.Y., law firm, Eustace & Marquez, which by now was representing the Chubb Insurance Company. "So I called again and called again and called again."

Kaufman said he finally contacted one of the law firm's paralegals, Kathy Patrick. "To me it's an insult that I have to talk to a paralegal," he complained. "I mean I don't have any lack of respect for these people. [But] don't put a paralegal on the phone with me, because they haven't got the authority to do squat."

Even after he spoke with attorney Diane Miceli from the Eustace & Marquez firm, Kaufman said Miceli and Chubb Insurance Company adjustor Maria Nigro "jerked me around." On Feb. 15, Kaufman filed a motion for "judicial intervention," which was granted. Both sides were ordered to attend the March 10 preliminary conference.

In responding to the lawsuit filed by Kaufman, attorney Diane Miceli denied all of the charges and claimed that McKean's injuries "were caused, in whole or part, by the conduct of the plaintiff." This "culpable conduct" by McKean had to do with him approaching the residence and "assuming the risk under the conditions and circumstances existing," Miceli stated.

When contacted by Cybercast News Service for comment, Miceli said, "No, I really can't talk about that," before demanding to know, "Who contacted you on this?" She concluded by labeling the request for comment "absurd."

Cybercast News Service learned of the legal action following an investigation of New York State public records.

Telephone calls were also placed to Maria Nigro, the Chubb Insurance Company adjustor handling the McKean claim; and John Marwell, the attorney who represented Gregory Soros at his April plea hearing. Neither Nigro nor Marwell returned the calls before press time.

According to the OpenSecrets.org website, which monitors political campaign spending, George Soros donated more money than any other individual to 527 political fundraising committees during the last election campaign. Soros gave $23,450,000 to a variety of liberal groups like the Joint Victory Campaign 2004, America Coming Together and MoveOn.org. All were expressly dedicated to defeating President Bush.

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