USA - I'll sue you for that

[kahunabean]

What is the origin of the infamous litigiousness of America ? I read that Michael Jackson (of whom I'm no fan - either musically or as a celeb) was the subject of 1,500 lawsuits - *most* of them trivial-sounding outside the USA (I'm not saying the kiddy-fiddling ones are trivial - most of the 1,500 are whack, really). Would love to hear from any yanks who can shed some light on what seems a crazy slice of USA way of life...

[gilf]

Seeing as this hasnt produced an answer as yet i'll put my thoughts in. I have no idea what the situation is in the US but it may be similar to what has happened here in the UK in recent years. A few years ago the law was changed and legal aid was withdrawn. This was also combined in a change in the law which meant that companies could offer no win no fee arangments (I could be wrong on this second point). This meant that people were free to sue without the worry of having to pay expensive legal fees if their case was lost, this has resulted in an increase in claims. From my own perspective yes it is true that people should be held accountable for their actions but lets not forget that an accident can be just that an accident.