My first thought was “payday!” Mega-settlement baby.

I hope he’s joking. Who has this as their first thought? These lawsuits are expensive because medical bills are expensive. If you don’t have big medical bills, you don’t get a big payout; and if you DO have big medical bills, that’s where the payout is going. If it’s a settlement and not a trial, you’re likely getting a discounted amount, too.

A small edit: “I was in an accident, where do I collect my million dollar reward?”

http://overlawyered.com/2008/05/update-bork-settles-with-yale-club/

I know. I am a personal injury defense attorney and see more than my share of “I was in an accident, where do I collect my million dollar award” cases. However, a good majority of the attorneys I deal with only handle legitimate injury cases and have a realistic view on the value of the claims.

Based on Prof. Bainbridge’s brief description, there could be a legitimate personal injury claim if the injury turns out to be more than “just a scraped knee and injured pride.” He should not let his opinions regarding tort reform prevent him from presenting a valid injury claim.

True, but more personal injury lawsuits fall into the former category than fall into the latter.

I have a problem with liability being extended far afield in cases where the injury is caused by the criminal act of third party, yet the party sued is the party who was unlucky enough to have the act performed on his/her property.

As he should. As we all should.

Thanks to Walter Olson for his work.