The Myth of the Litigious Society

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"David M. Engel demolishes the myth that America is a litigious society. The sobering reality is that the vast majority of injury victims--more than nine out of ten--rely on their own resources, family and friends, and government programs to cover their losses. When real people experience serious injuries, they dont respond as rational actors. Trauma and pain disrupt their decision making, and potential claims are discouraged by negative stereotypes that pervade American television and popular culture. (Think Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad, who keeps a box of neck braces in his office to help clients exaggerate their injuries.) Social norms convince us that injuries are natural even when they could be easily prevented, and the psychology of self-blame makes many victims reluctant to hold negligent actors accountable. But this widespread tendency to "lump it" doesn't just hurt the victims; it hurts us all"--Book jacket.