Frivolous Lawsuits
A multi-millionaire trial lawyer filed class actions against several cell phone companies and service providers. The suits do not claim anyone has suffered injury, but seek money for headsets to reduce radiation exposure, plus punitive damages.
A nationwide class action was filed against major toothbrush manufacturers arguing that the product was actually dangerous when used improperly, possibly causing tooth abrasion and other problems.
In a class action suit against Cheerios over a food additive—with no evidence of injury to any consumers—lawyers were paid nearly $2 million in fees, which works out to approximately $2,000 per hour. Consumers in the class received coupons for a free box of cereal.
In a class action involving 6 million customers of Southwestern Bell in Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas, Kansas and Arkansas, the company was sued for allegedly misrepresenting a service plan to consumers, despite any conclusive evidence. As reported in The Austin American Statesman, the trial lawyer who filed the suit even admitted that he had uncovered little, if any, evidence of misconduct, and that the case was settled simply to avoid the high cost of litigation. The result? Consumers got a $15 credit. The lawyer got $4 million.
A man drove into his fiancé while riding bumper cars at Disney World. The injured woman sued both her fiancé and the company. A jury found the woman 14 percent at fault, her fiancé 85 percent at fault and Disney, one percent liable. At the trial, Florida's spousal tort immunity law prevented the woman from seeking any award from her-now-husband. Thus, although Disney was deemed one percent at fault, the company had to pay 86 percent of the judgment.
What does it cost you? American consumers pay an annual "litigation tax" totaling hundreds of dollars due to increased costs from lawsuits that force businesses to raise the price of products and services.
A class action results in a $349 million award to flight attendants due to second-hand smoke. The flight attendants receive nothing while attorney fees are set at $49 million. The rest goes to a foundation established to research second-hand smoke.
Out of control asbestos litigation and non-meritorious claims force 28 companies into bankruptcy, jeopardizing future payments to the truly sick and paying victims as little as 10¢ on the dollar.
A woman suing Universal Studios contends the theme park operators' annual Halloween Horror Nights haunted house attraction is too scary and caused her emotional distress.
A couple questions their bank about a $91.33 deduction. They learn the charge is for the legal fees in a successful class action against the bank. The couple's award in the lawsuit is $2.19. So, they actually lose $89.14. Meanwhile, the trial lawyers split $8.5 million in fees.
A Florida man sues six bars and liquor stores and the local electric company after he sustains injuries from his drunken climb up an electrical tower. The "victim" climbed over a fence and a locked gate to reach the power lines.
The family of a man who drowned during a fishing trip sues the Weather Channel for $10 million, claiming he relied on the station's storm-free forecast to ensure his safety.
Trial lawyers are victorious in several class actions against insurance companies. In one settlement, the lawyer got $7.5 million, while only two of the 3 million policyholders received any compensation.
A Knoxville, TN, woman files suit against McDonald's claiming a hot pickle from a "Big Mac" left permanent scars. The suit contends that she was injured by an allegedly "dangerous and defective product."
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