By now, you know that our Wacky Warning Label Contest turned up some pretty hilarious labels this year. My favorite warning is on a go-cart saying, “This product moves when used.”
But after we did some digging around and found out why labels like this appear on so many products, I really don’t know whether to laugh or cry.
The frivolous lawsuits that created the need for these common sense warnings have taken a big chunk out of our wallets. Even if we’re never sued, a respected think tank has revealed that we all pay a stiff price for frivolous lawsuits anyway.
According to the Pacific Research Institute, abusive lawsuits cost every American a hidden “lawsuit tax” of about $2,000 a year. Now, we don’t see that on the receipts we get at the checkout counter, but we pay it through higher prices, fewer jobs, reduced access to health care, and even quality of life for our communities – Little Leagues, community swimming pools, and charities are all affected.
We’ve had fun with the warning labels, but it’s time to change the lawsuit system. Find out more. Go to our website: FoundationForFairCivilJustice.org.