Think we have too many trial attorneys in this country?
Tired of all the ads on TV that implore us to contact a lawyer if we think we have ever been wronged? From spilling hot coffee in your lap to misusing prescription medicine? From using tools improperly to taking an unnecessary risk? From every possibly malady and syndrome known to man - and those they haven't named yet?
Sure, some people are injured as a result of the carelessness or negligence of others. Occasionally, products fail and and unforeseen injury occurs.
When a legitimate claim exists, fine. Trial lawyers can help - but easy on those financial awards, please.
Ambulance chasers only add to the increasing societal tendency of casting blame onto someone else, even when we have misused a product or might have contributed to a situation becoming worse because of own actions.
What we generally are lacking in this country is personal responsibilty. It takes courage to admit we made a mistake. - that our own actions injured ourselves or others. It doesn't minimize the injury or the pain we might feel for having caused it, but blaming someone not really at fault doesn't help either.
Anyway, today's award for the ridiculous goes to "WhoCanISue.com" and their wacky TV commercial. No, I am not making this up, so don't sue the messenger.
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Steve, injury lawyers are always advertising on TV as they chase ambulances for that big pay day.
I've seen a billboard for that here in Orlando. I've also heard a trial attorney say on the radio that if your insurance company or stockbroker or other professional gave you bad advice you can try to sue them for malpractice against their E&O insurance. I'm sure Realtor and short sale will soon be on that list too.
Gary,
They are as prevalent now as campaign ads were a few months ago. :)
Steve
Rob,
Totally irresponsible. I've also heard them say that it's possible to get overtime pay even if you were on salary. :)
Steve
Steve - We have become a collective group of crybabies. Waiting for the next "John Wayne" to smack the current group into reality. Sadly agreeing
Hi Steve...I have not seen this company's ad yet nor have I ever even come close to hiring a lawyer in order to sue someone.
However, if I really needed one, I'd hope to get a really, really good one. I have a son with a law degree but he doesn't practice law. I know I would have liked to be one myself. A good one.
If any of you ever need one, I'll rush through law school.
Kate
Claude,
I see no sign of it getting better - especially since the attorneys get elected to congress. :)
Steve
Kate,
That's good to know. So many of these ads are just blatantly self-promoting. :)
Steve
Where do I start with this one? As a former trial attorney (no personal injury cases), here are my comments: First, elminate class actions. Second, institute a simple multiplier for punitive damages such as 2x actual damages. Third, institute a loser pays attorneys fees system. I would love to see a system where the plaintiff pays the defendants fees if they recover less than 80% of defendant's last settlement offer. The problem is that the judicial system is too slow, too cumbersome, and too expensive. Add to the mix that there is a "pull the lever... win a jackpot" mentality by some litigants caused by cases like McDonald's case and you got a pretty horrific business climate in some jurisdictions. Every litigant seems to think his case is the next McDonald's case. In reality, the number of defense verdicts is pretty outstanding when you look at the numbers. However, you hit the nail on the head as to how to solve the problem - each juror should look at the hard facts and base their decision on the facts and not on emotions. I hear alot about trial attorneys - but I don't hear much about the systemic problems in the judicial system or runaway juries.
Hi Steve
The country can balance the trade deceit by exporting the attorneys.
Good luck and success
Lou Ludwig
Ryan,
Didn't mean to unleash any hornets in your direction. Great response. I agree with all of your points. :)
Steve
Lou,
We do have more than our share, don't we? Maybe that's why they have to advertise like this. :)
Steve
Steve...
I don't have a problem with litigation as long as the awards are realistic. Some of these torts are unbelievable.
Steve: A neighborhood teen was struck by a car two years ago while crossing a busy four lane road, without looking....and NOT wearing a helmet. Because the driver stopped and called 9-1-1, the child is alive and well today. Her reward, a big fat lawsuit. When the Mom asked what I thought of the lawsuit, I told her honestly, "I think it's a shame to punish her that way. You're lucky she stopped. If she hadn't he would've been dead."
Richard,
The awards and the cases themselves. People bring suits for the silliest of reasons in addition to the real cases. :)
Steve
Chris Ann,
You're right. Our system now allows for someone who was trying to do the right thing to be victimized. How often do we hear about a burglar suing a homeowner for injuring them while they were doing an illegal act? :)
Steve
Steve - I haven't seen any advertisements for this around here. If I need a lawyer, I think I'll wait for Kate to "rush through law school"... :)
Debi,
Good idea, but you could always check with Ryan. :)
Steve