We have become so litigious in this country that even liberal magazines such as “The New Yorker” are making fun of our propensity to sue at the drop of a hat. Some recent cartoons in the publication would be a riot if the truth behind them weren't so tragic–that we are litigating our economy into oblivion! Check out some of the recent punch lines (all of which are ultimately at the expense of insurers) and let me know what you think.
There were two cartoons in the Aug. 13 edition sparked by the fear of being dragged into court. One showed a doctor examining an x-ray, saying to his patient: “I don't like the looks of these. I better send them up to legal.”
Another showed a father explaining to his son: “We don't want you inviting friends over to play. There are liability issues.”
In the Aug. 27 issue, another doctor was pictured examining his patient's wrist: “Although it's nothing serious, let's keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't turn into a major lawsuit.”
This is what our country has come to. People have to worry about doing everything, because anything they do could land them in court. And every time they are sued–whether it's a homeowner, driver, businessowner or professional service provider–their insurance kicks in. And people wonder why their premiums are so high!
What can be done to make litigation more sensible and responsible, without stripping individuals of their right to fair compensation if they are injured on someone's property or because of someone's mistake?
Before I sign off, though, I have to share with you my all-time favorite insurance-related cartoon from the pages of The New Yorker.
The image was of a cowering businessman surrounded by three thugs wearing leather jackets, with “The Insurance Gang” emblazoned on the back. The caption read: “What do you mean, you don't want any?”
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