To sue, or not to sue: That is the question until you are the person bringing suit...

[Wes Bucey]

In another thread, Claes asks a "innocent" question:

As for the sueing business... I agree there as well. Is it really necessary to sue each others over just about anything? Doesn't it hamper progress? Maybe a subject for a new thread?

/Claes

It is certainly true in the USA that more law suits are filed to redress wrongs, recoup losses, and punish "evildoers" than anywhere else in the world.

Rather than just a poll, I'd like to read the thinking that goes behind your opinion on lawsuits. Ergo,
"Do you feel lawsuits are a good way for otherwise powerless people to get help in resolving an issue (bad service, bad product, pain, suffering, etc.)?"
OR
"Do you feel lawsuits should be limited in number and amount of award because 'no one means to cause the pain or loss' and these people suing just didn't know how to look out for themselves in the first place?"

(Yeah. I know I "loaded" the questions. I happen to think we'd be back in the Dark Ages if "little people" didn't have the opportunity to enlist all the power and might of the government to help them win a fight against a powerful miscreant by suing and winning "big" in court.)

The point of the thread is to see whether you agree and what argument you can muster for or against suing, big awards, ambulance chasers, profiteers, crooks, cheats, etc. Probably some will want to chime in about how big guys abuse the system against "little guys" who can't afford to hire attorneys.

 

[Peter Fraser]

Wes

First of all, I think that I may have prompted Claes' comment, so I had better respond, at least by apologising for mis-spelling "suing".

From a UK point of view, it seems that the US culture is **** bent on NOT taking responsibility for one's own actions, lack of thought and downright stupidity. If someone is really negligent, then have a go at them, but if you suffer because you didn't take "preventive action" (I knew that it would crop up somehow!), then tough. Perhaps we should replace lawyers with quality assessors?!

 

[Al Rosen]

From a UK point of view, it seems that the US culture is **** bent on NOT taking responsibility for one's own actions, lack of thought and downright stupidity.

Hi Peter:

I agree with your statement. There is an element in the US that refuses to take responsibilty for their actions. Frivolous law suits have resulted, such as the person suing McDonalds Restaurant because he was burned when he spilled coffee on himself. Now every cup served from McDonalds has "Caution Hot Liquid" or something to that effect. Duh, what did he think they were serving in the styrofoam cup when he ordered the coffee.

 

[Randy]

This is one of those roads so treacherously lined with mines and booby traps that I dare not tread much beyond this.

 

[Al Rosen]

This is one of those roads so treacherously lined with mines and booby traps that I dare not tread much beyond this.

Randy, I know what you mean, but I'm a sucker for controversy and I just couldn't help puting in my 2 centavos. I'll leave it at that, since the issue might be considered too political by some and I wouldn't want to break any rules.

 

[Claes Gefvenberg]

The point of the thread is to see whether you agree and what argument you can muster for or against suing, big awards, ambulance chasers, profiteers, crooks, cheats, etc. Probably some will want to chime in about how big guys abuse the system against "little guys" who can't afford to hire attorneys.

As usual I find myself somewhere between the extremes, feeling that few things are all good or all bad. My concern in the other thread was this:

How likley are you to introduce new technology, knowing that you may find yourself in court due to some unforseen quirk in your product? Would you perhaps feel that it may be safer to stick with something outdated, but in this respect safe? After all, there is always an element of risk in doing something previously untried.

/Claes

 

[CINDY]

Don’t sue because one of those risks you were informed of happens or because you knew better but did it anyway.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Cindy

 

[Craig H.]

Land mines, indeed, but I will step out anyway (hold your ears).

I have to agree with both sides here (kaboom). Indeed, our legal system can provide a way for the "little guy" to make themselves heard and address bad acts by the "big guys". However, there are IMO without a doubt attempts by the self-centered and -serving to (ab)use the system to further their own personal profit.

IMHO, the goal of many in the U.S. is not to advance themselves through hard work and innovation, but through the least work by themselves and on the backs of others. This can be true of both some businesses and some plaintiffs

Don't like my reply? So, sue me!!!



Craig

 

[CINDY]

That great pay day in the sky. Why earn it a little at a time. Get that big amount from someone else.

 

[Sam]

Sounds like the pots calling the kettles black. The opportunities for greed and the ability to achieve something for nothing abounds in all cultures, not just the U.S.A.