Posted On: March 13, 2006, 7:28 pm CST

Posted By: Linda Fermoyle Rice

Easy money being what?

Is it easier money than the medical profession is "raking in"? In 2003, spending for health care reached $1.7 trillion or 15.3% of GDP. Out of pocket costs to patients reached $230 billion in 2003.

Is it easier money than the drug companies are "raking in?" In 2003, drug spending rose 11% to $180 billion.

Is it easier money than the insurance industry is raking in? Property and casualty insurance income increased 320% from the first three quarters in 2002 to the first three quarters in 2003, to at total of $320 billion.

This doesn't look like such "easy" money from the point of view of the people lawyers represent. Most people would prefer the company of a loved one who has died because of the negligence of a doctor or driver than a lot of money.

Most people would rather be healthy and active than crippled and in pain with a good lawsuit.

Most lawyers handle cases on behalf of people who could not afford to pay a lawyer and, therefore, could not litigate their claim against a negligent person or company. The lawyers don't get paid unless and until the client recovers money by way of settlement, verdict or arbitration award.

The insurance companies pay their lawyers by the hour and seem to encourage their attorneys to make cases as expensive and, thus, as risky as possible for the plaintiff and her attorney. Now, there's easy money.

Most plaintiffs' lawyers pay all of the costs of the litigation and lose that money unless the client is successful against the negligent tortfeasor. Litigation involves paying experts, court reporters, copy services, jury fees, and a whole host of other costs.

Easy money? I don't think so, LL.