Awards season has begun. (Poor Angelina Jolie, whose film was just shut out of the SAG awards on top of newly-released unkind hacked Sony emails. Hopefully her luck changes soon.)
But we do have one lucky award recipient to tell you about right now! In fact, we couldn’t be more excited to announce the winner of our first “Tort System Triumphs” Award - to none other than our (former?) foes at various corporate fronts known as "Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse"!
You’re probably saying “huh” right about now. After all, CALA’s mission is to represent and support laws to benefit major corporations and industries seeking to escape liability for the harm they cause everyday Americans.
But like all Americas, we like a good redemption story. And based on what we’ve seen this week, the CALA’s more than qualify.
Take a look at this story out of the East Texas CALA called CALA issues tips to keep litigation out of Christmas stocking:
“By keeping a few simple tips in mind, you can keep a lump of coal or a lawsuit out of your stockings and make sure your holidays shine,” said Diane Davis of East Texans Against Lawsuit Abuse.
If hosting a holiday party, Davis suggests taking responsible measures to create a safe event, including transportation and safeguards to keep guests from over-indulging.…
Hazel Meaux of Texans Against Lawsuit Abuse said party-goers should be encouraged to take personal responsibility for their own actions.
Tips include, “For parties in your home, plan transportation for your guests, including designated drivers or cabs for a safe ride home, and have ample and appealing nonalcoholic beverages for your designated drivers.”
Lawsuits foster safety? Wow, that’s what we say! Excellent observation and very good safety advice, CALA.
Similarly, the West Virginia CALA says,
Whether in a business or home setting, party hosts should make sure hazards are minimized. Unfortunately, some holiday party guests could experience injuries such as tripping over a strand of holiday lights, falling on a dance floor or slipping on an icy sidewalk. Potentially much worse, someone consuming too much alcohol could be involved in an auto accident..
While holiday partygoers and hosts alike should act responsibly and know their limits, people need to know that many risks cannot be eliminated entirely. But planning ahead and hosting a safe holiday party is the best defense.
So let's all thank the CALA's for explaining how the civil justice system works, how the prospect of tort liability protects us all from harm whether or not we ever go to court. And I am thrilled that we all now agree that deterring unsafe practices is a critical function of the U.S. civil justice system. Without potential lawsuits, the nation – or at least your holiday party - would be a pretty unsafe place.
Hope you enjoy your award, CALA's, and happy holidays. We thank you. All the partiers who won’t be killed or injured because of our civil justice system thank you too!
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