Most Ridiculous Lawsuits of 2011
As I was preparing over the last few days for an upcoming presentation to the local Rotary Club on the “Seven Levels of Asset Protection” I came across a list of the Most Ridiculous Lawsuits of 2011 put out by FacesofLawsuitAbuse.org. Among the ridiculous are:
- A man who kidnapped a couple at knifepoint while he was running from the police is now suing the victims, claiming that they promised to hide him in exchange for an unspecified amount of money. Currently in jail, he is seeking $235,000 for the alleged “breach of contract.”
- A nearly-300 pound man is suing White Castle restaurants, saying that their booths are too tight to accommodate someone of his size. In fact, he’s so distraught by the booths that he hasn’t been to White Castle in months (instead, he sends his wife to pick up his burgers so he can eat them at home).
- A New Yorker is suing a private preschool, saying the school’s curriculum has seriously hurt her 4-year-old’s chances of getting into an Ivy League college.
- A Pennsylvania man illegally brought a gun into a bar, then got injured in a drunken shootout with another patron, and now has sued the bar for not searching him for a weapon on his way in.
- A California woman has filed a lawsuit against Chuck E. Cheese on the grounds that their games are actually an illegal form of gambling and could get kids hooked. She is seeking at least $5 million; the restaurant says the games are legal and has asked a judge to dismiss the suit.
Every year we are reminded of the crazy things people will go to court over. The reality is we have a great system, but in allowing open access to the courts, we will always be at risk for frivolous suits or Robin Hood juries. While change may or may not come in the form of reform there is a way to be proactive in protecting your assets by implementing one or more of the “Seven Levels of Asset Protection.” Check out our November 2011 Newsletter to learn more and give us a call so we can talk about your individual situation.