In this season of giving thanks, let's remember trial lawyers
Posted: Tuesday, December 19th 2006
It's always a good idea to be thankful this time of year.
While the civil justice system, like any human endeavor, isn't perfect, the trial lawyer's victories have made our world safer.We as a society actually have many important reasons to thank lawyers. Yes, that's right, lawyers. Why? Children now have flame resistant pajamas because of trial lawyers. The number of children severely burned by clothing fell almost tenfold. Auto manufacturers have moved automobile gas tanks saving hundreds, probably thousands of lives. Indeed, the automobile industry has been dragged, kicking and screaming, into building safer, more crash resistant vehicles. The industry has a hell of a long way to go, but slowly, changes are made.
Lawn mowers now have devices, called interlocks, which can stop the blades when the mower is placed in reverse or when the operator's weight is removed from the seat. The three wheeled all terain vehicle is now history. I happen to be an avid motocross fan and off road rider, but the three wheeler was a horrid design which needlessly injured and killed far too many. Just think about turning a "moving triangle" at speed and you'll wonder why the manufacture's didn't thing of tipping and overturning just like you just did.
Electric products are much safer, as is home wiring and circuitry. The user of an electric device no longer faces the risk of electricution just because a lapse of judgment causes the product to be dropped into water. Almost all construction vehicles emit a alarm sound when they are put in reverse, giving pedestrians an audible warning before a two thousand pound product backs over them causing permenant injury. Asboestos is no longer widely used. Lead paint is quickly, but not quickly enough, disappearing.
While the civil justice system, like any human endeavor, isn't perfect, the trial lawyer's victories have made our world safer. It makes me feel good about being a trial lawyer. The same way I felt when I first heard Atticus Finch argue on principle. The same way I felt when I first read Clarence Darrow's plea for a more humane society and better working conditions for men, women and, unfortunately, very young children who worked nasty jobs so dangerous a retirement plan wasn't a practical consideration.
Let's give thanks to those trial lawyers who fought those battles. Industry always has its lapdogs and reactionaries. Those who argue that making any product safer will put legitimate businesses into bankruptcy. Of course, that never has occurred. In fact, the oppositve has occurred. Just ask the companies which make airbags, electronic stability control units, traction control sensors and other safety devices for auto manufacturers and other industries.
Finally, let's give thanks to those young trial lawyers out there preparing and filing litigation to ensure clean water supplies, better air quality, safer automobiles, manufacturing equipment less likely to injure or kill and better testing of pharmaceuticals.