Have you ever wondered why America is constantly portrayed as a lawsuit-happy society? The surprising truth is that most injury victims never seek legal recourse at all. In The Myth of the Litigious Society, David M. Engel takes readers on a fascinating journey through the reality of how Americans actually respond to injury and why our popular beliefs about lawsuits couldn't be more wrong.
Contrary to what we see on TV dramas and hear in political debates, the vast majority of people who suffer injuries - more than nine out of ten - never file lawsuits against those responsible. Instead, they quietly absorb the costs themselves, turning to family networks, personal savings, and government assistance to cope with their losses. This reality challenges everything we think we know about American attitudes toward justice and personal responsibility.
Engel explores how cultural norms prevent injury victims from pursuing legitimate claims. Trauma and pain disrupt people's ability to think clearly, while negative stereotypes about "lawsuit abuse" create psychological barriers. We're culturally conditioned to accept setbacks stoically and blame ourselves rather than holding others accountable. This tendency to "lump it" doesn't just harm individual victims - it hurts society by allowing unsafe practices and products to continue unchecked.
When legitimate claims disappear from the system, we lose valuable information about what's causing injuries in our communities. The current framework disproportionately burdens people with fewer resources, creating a social underclass whose needs must be met by government programs while shielding those who cause harm. Engel provides a clear, accessible analysis of this problem and offers practical recommendations for creating a more just and effective approach to injury compensation.
Whether you're a legal professional, policy maker, or simply someone interested in how our society works, this book will change how you think about lawsuits, injury, and justice in America.
