The Top Ten Most Ridiculous Lawsuits of 2013

A group of Idaho inmates' lawsuit blaming eight brewers for causing their lives of crime tops the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform's (ILR) survey of the top 10 most ridiculous lawsuits of 2013.

[onejanedoe]

Let them cheat an inch, they'll take a mile, is my philosophy.

[edwrdsmth]

we wouldn't want the lawyers to starve....

[willsbroughton]

only in is why we have warnings not to use hair dryer while in bath tub

[kimberlyobrien]

wow this is crazy! seems like everyone is so quick to file a lawsuit these days..

[Batotahell]

The Subway one is not ridiculous. If a company makes such a claim and their products do not live up to that claim then either fix the product or get sued for false advertising. How many 11" subs are sold everyday claiming to be 12" subs? Definite class action worthy. It might be a minor thing but it is right. Companies should live up to their promises.

[LibertyFelix]

#5.
Sounds like 'Bait and Switch' to me....
Where's the legal disclaimer~?

[HyrdaRancher]

Well, the waitress one makes sense depending on the circumstances.  If the waitress had reason to know of the plaintiff's propensity to be emotionally harmed by such comments, she can be held liable for severe emotional distress due in part to her profession which carries a higher level of care needed when dealing with customers.  Under these circumstances, an action for Intentional infliction of emotional distress could be sustained IF the facts supported it.

The half marathon runner suing for "severe and permanent injuries" was described as if they were physical but no claims to them being physical were made.  They could just as easily be emotional (depression, etc) and in fact, emotional injury requires it to not be transitory but rather long term injury for recovery.  Certainly one could still be physically fit but mentally harmed by a negligent or willful and wanton defendant.  Additionally, any diminishment in physical ability caused by the defendant's negligent or intentional actions can be sufficient for an action.  If this runner could easily run full marathons and could no longer do so (hence the half marathon), there is grounds for an action. 

After all, we wouldn't say Michael Phelps wasn't harmed if an injury merely caused him to swim at a lower, yet still olympic level pace.

[CDavidS]

Subway should be held responsible for false advertising.  Sue them