Who can give Bob Loblaw a quick 101 overview of Law?

Question

Mainly what things can I sue people for?

Answer 1

Bob:

I am not an attorney so nothing I say should be construed as legal advice. The information that follows is a combination of my experiences, my addiction to news and current events, and is mixed with some personal opinion. So, having said that, here goes:

You can, literally, sue anyone for anything. You can file a law suit against me for this answer if you want to. The catch is you must demonstrate to an attorney that you have suffered some sort of damage. Then your attorney and you have to convince a court/jury that I should be made to compensate you for that damage.

In today's America that seems to be easier and easier to do. Individual responsibility is giving way, or perhaps more accurately has given way, to deep pockets. Case in point: The hot coffee law suit against McDonalds where a woman sued for millions because she spilled coffee and it was hot enough to scald her. Now you can't get a cup of hot coffee at McDonalds, but she is set for life if she invests wisely.

Another jewel I have found is a disclaimer or warning on a cardboard automobile sunscreen. The screen is designed to be placed across the windshield when parked in an effort to reduce sun damage to a cars interior. On the one I have in my truck is written, "Remove before driving". The actual words are not the issue, the reason for them being there is. Someone, somewhere drove with that shield in place, had an accident and sued the manufacturer because the shield blocked his/her view. It probably cost the manufactured some significant financial loss and in an attempt to prevent a repeat of the case, has printer those words on the product.

That is about as brief as I can be on the subject. Except to say many frivolous law suits are filed every year. Normally people will require an attorney to represent them and that attorney is the first element in the screening process. S/he "should" evaluate the suit and refuse to work for people who are just looking for an easy payday. Then the court should weed out other cases that lack merit. And finally the jury will determine if damage actually occurred and to what extent the plaintiff should be compensated.

I hope that helps to give you a feel for what is happening.

Answer 2

You have to be more specific. You actually cannot sue somebody on moral grounds. Your lawsuit has to hold some bearing within a legal perspective. The Plaintiff has to have broken a law. He/She has to have caused some damage to you or your property whether it be criminally or emotionally. You simply cannot sue someone for ignorance alone.

Answer 3

you can sue for anything nowadays