Overlawyered: Chronicling The High Cost Of Our Legal System

A bridge too far

In case you were wondering, the first trial lawyer Google ad soliciting clients relating to the Minneapolis bridge collapse is already up — indeed, was up as of last night. Makes me proud to be a lawyer.

In case you were wondering, the first trial lawyer Google ad soliciting clients relating to the Minneapolis bridge collapse is already up — indeed, was up as of last night. Makes me proud to be a lawyer.

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10 Comments

  • The only thing I am surprised at is that a lawyer can’t file a lawsuit against persons unknown for persons unknown (or can they?). I wonder how many lawsuits were filed in the “favorite” bridge collapse of physicists (because it demonstrates the phenomenon of resonance), Galloping Gertie.

  • David.
    Nice catch. As I was driving in to my comfy gov’t job, I was thinking the same thing…how long will it be until the sharks start to circle? If I were a Vegas regular, I would try and book odds on the types, volume, and number of cases filed in the next 96 hours.

    The real victims? Minn. tax payers…stand by with that lubricant…you might feel a slight sting and a little pressure.

  • I live in Minnesota and I am afraid of the lawsuits that will now be presented to the city of Minneapolis. These lawsuits will bankrupt the city (we’re talking multi-defendants and MULTI-lawyers) which will mandate more and more taxes. No matter which way you look at it, we’re screwed…

  • Come now. It’s an interstate highway. Funding for Interstate highway bridges is 90% federal funding.

    And the bridge was listed as defective and needing replacement.

    • By Julie

  • The bridge was listed as DEFICIENT not defective. And, BTW, the funding was mostly federal, but the state built it. The bridge was expected to continue to operate beyond 2020.

  • “And the bridge was listed as defective and needing replacement.”

    That is incorrect. The bridge was listed as structurally deficient and not needing imminent replacement. Engineers, like lawyers, have terms of art. Granted, a better term could be employed….
    Also, do you think it likely that the Feds will allow themselves to be dragged into this? Maybe if J. Edwards is elected Prez.

    • By chuckR

  • Maybe if they built the damn bridge so people wouldn’t be sitting on the bottom of the Mississippi River UNDER the bridge DEAD……… there wouldn’t be a need for trial lawyers. HELLO???
    But hey.. maybe thats just ME!

  • The highways are federal; the bridges are often local. The inspectors operate under Fed authority and issue repair mandates on to the states, cities, counties, etc…without, mind you, providing any funds.
    Now, as far as bankrupting the city, I imagine that is a stretch. But, for a lobby which is so heavily left-leaning, which typically strive to advance wealth-redistribution, this could be a fine way to achieve that end…at least in theory.

  • All of you who are “scared of the ghosts and goblins” of lawsuits against the City of Minneapolis and the State of Minnesota should “cool your jets”. We have a “cap” on governmental liability of $1 million per occurrence. This applies to both the State and the City. Neither will be bankrupt. There will be $100 million in injuries and damages with only $2 million of exposure by the City and the State.

    Further, how could the City be responsible for a state and federal bridge???

    You might want to know the facts, or stopping using drugs and alcohol, before you express your opinions in the future!!!

  • > Maybe if they built the damn bridge so people wouldn’t be sitting on the bottom of the Mississippi River UNDER the bridge DEAD……… there wouldn’t be a need for trial lawyers. HELLO???

    You’re absolutely right — and since YOU are a taxpayer, I hereby insist that YOU pay for EVERY single one of these judgements.

    ….hey, where ya goin’? Get back here….

    • By Mike S.