Oh, and on motions after verdict the judge took away most of the award,
leaving her with not much more than the cost of her medical bills.

mxashly

I had occasion to talk to our risk management people recently. The
supervisor had been in charge of risk management for a top five theme
park for eight years, until they went with an outside firm as well. She
said that they averaged six lawsuits or inquiries daily. In all cases
that generated an incident or accident report, a follow up letter had to
be sent. In some cases, the risk management dept. would actually send
someone to the hospital to secure a signature on a release or immediate
settlement before the guest got “lawyered up”. In all cases they would
order all employees to say nothing, but express sympathy. The letter is
important as one of the questions always asked in deposition or court
is, “What did you hear from Walmart after the accident?” and “Did
anyone from Walmart call to make sure you were okay?”

I’m sure you know about the famous McDonald’s coffee case. The lady was burned on her crotch, spent three days in the hospital and had to have
skin grafts or plastic surgery of some kind. She got megabucks, and
coffee hasn’t been served hot enough to stay warm all the way to work
since. Every time I walk into a convenience store and see glass pots of
coffee brewing within reach of kids, I wonder what they’re thinking.

In my state, you have two years to file a lawsuit. I wonder what they’d
pay you to go away, without admitting guilt of course. Andrew? Berman?

I remember staying at the Excalibur a few weeks after they opened. In one of the crowded halls, I cut my arm on the sharp edge of the protruding fire extinguisher holder. I complained, they comped my room. During a stay six months later, I noticed that heavy foam rubber edging had been put on the holders. Probably saved some child from ripping their head open.

DH

Reminds me of some years ago when I walked away from a 5-car pileup. I felt fine at first, but three hours later the neck pain started. For those of you who have never had whiplash, let me tell you the pain was bad, bad, bad. The reaction of some co-workers, after the initial clucks of sympathy, was to suggest possible parties for me to sue.

The pain persisted for 1-2 weeks before disappearing. I was just happy
that it went away. If I were so inclined, I could have stretched out my
symptoms and claimed damages from the insurers of the other drivers
involved. And of course, I might have suffered unknown damages which may manifest themselves years down the road. In fact, I have a little twinge in my little finger right now.

I probably could have gotten a settlement in the 5-figures, considering
that I was a well-paid employee at the time of the accident. I just
didn’t feel right in pursuing such a case. Of course, back then I was
younger and more idealistic; today, I may just sue one and all.

Accidents happen, even on commercial properties. My kudos to all victims who exercise some common sense and restraint before calling for their friendly neighborhood tort lawyer.

Bill T

Tom

Kurt

Now, before anyone gets too upset, 99% of the time I think such
“extortion” is wrong. But this is Harrah’s we are talking about -
weasels among weasels.