The Insurance Industry has tried to poison the minds of the American people against the process of civil justice which has served us for centuries.  Reports of a "litigation explosion" are simply a lie, created by a statistical trick. (see note below) Americans are among the least litigious of any western nation.  The vast majority of injured people never bring a claim for their injuries, and of those who do, most never receive fair compensation.   Despite this propaganda effort however, a competent attorney can help you get justice, while giving businesses and individuals the incentive to act with due care for the health and safety of others.

If you are injured by an auto accident, dog bite, fall or commercial accident, I hope that we can help you to obtain fair compensation for your injuries.   Please contact us at  (941) 358-5400 or by e-mail to discuss your case.

Thomas S. Hudson, Attorney Are Americans Sue-Crazy?  What about the McDonald's coffee case?   Click here for the real story behind one of the most misunderstood cases of our times.   The Hudson Law Office 7780 Westmoreland Drive  (On U.S. 41 by the Airport at the corner of Westmoreland) Sarasota, Florida  34243 (941) 358-5400 Fax (941) 358-5477 What About Class-Action Lawsuits?  Click here to learn the real story behind the make-believe "problem" of class actions. DON'T BUY THE LIE!

DON'T BUY THE LIE!--A Note on Statistical Tricks

The facts are clear.  There is no lawsuit crisis in America.  In fact, in the ten year period between 1996 and 2005, (the latest available period), tort lawsuits decreased by 21% despite a population increase of 8%.  Automobile accident cases decreased by 29% in the same period.  (Check these charts from the National Center for State Courts).  According to the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics, in the year 2003, the number of civil cases going to trial in the entire Federal Court system was fewer than 1,000.  That's right!  Fewer than 1,000 federal civil cases went to trial in the entire country.  For the whole story, click here for the latest report from the National Center for State Courts, a nonpartisan organization that compiles court statistical data.

Only a small percentage of negligence claims are ever filed as lawsuits, and of the small percentage of tort cases that are filed, about 75 percent of the cases are resolved through settlement or voluntarily dismissed; only 3 percent go to trial. (Steven K. Smith et al., Bureau of Justice Statistics, Civil Justice Survey of State Courts, 1992: Tort Cases in Large Counties 3 (Apr. 1995).) In addition, personal injury lawsuits make up only about 10 percent of all civil cases filed in state courts of general jurisdiction. (Id. at 2) 

How does the Insurance Information Institute convince Americans that they are "sue happy?"   Simple.  By lumping tort claims in with mushrooming bankruptcies, divorces and business litigation under the general title of "civil lawsuits."   Medical malpractice and products liability cases constitute a small percentage of civil cases. Only 7.7 percent of civil cases brought are medical malpractice claims; products liability and asbestos liability cases comprise only 1.5 percent and 1.2 percent of tort cases respectively. (Id. at 30-31.)

For more detailed analysis, read this article by Harvard Law Professor Arthur Miller.