Frivolous lawsuits are those filed with the intent to annoy, harass or disturb the defendant. They can also be defined as any lawsuit where the plaintiff knows there’s little chance of success. Each year, many frivolous personal injury suits are filed, which represent a significant waste of money and time for individuals and courts.
Why do People File Frivolous Lawsuits?
A good example of frivolous litigation occurs when an individual files a fraudulent product liability suit against a manufacturer. These suits can cause a company to waste a significant amount of resources as it investigates the claim and reports its findings. Frivolous suits are often filed for inconsequential reasons such as a person’s dissatisfaction with a product, or even a personal grudge between citizens.
Some frivolous lawsuits are filed to delay other legal proceedings. For example, some real estate transactions cannot move forward if either party is involved in litigation. Thusly, the other party may file a frivolous claim just to delay the proceedings. Other common frivolous suits involve verbal and sexual harassment.
Are There Consequences for the Filing of Frivolous Lawsuits?
The courts typically frown upon those filing frivolous claims. In most instances, filing such a suit can lead to hefty civil fines and a contempt order. In the most egregious of cases, criminal penalties can result. If the court considers a suit as frivolous, they typically dismiss it immediately with no further investigation. It is a serious matter to abuse the legal system, and one should only sue if they are sure their claim is justified. A Litigation Lawyer engaging in frivolous litigation can face citations, fines and revocation of their bar license.
Should a Person Hire an Attorney for Frivolous Lawsuit Help?
If an individual believes that they’re facing a frivolous suit, they might need to consult a Litigation Lawyer for representation and legal advice. A lawyer can determine whether a particular claim has merit, and they can help the client come up with an appropriate response. Moreover, a lawyer with Britton Law Offices LLC can represent a defendant when it’s time to fight a frivolous claim.
