How a Legitimate Gripe Can Become Yet Another “Frivolous Lawsuit”
Yesterday, it was reported that Raelyn Campbell sued BestBuy for losing her laptop that was loaded with her personal information, including her income tax returns. And apparently, she only decided to sue them after BestBuy forced her to navigate miles of red tape before finally admitting they lost her computer, and even then, refusing to make a reasonable accommodation for her lost computer and information. So, under the circumstances, her decision to sue is not unreasonable, right?
But she has now grabbed headlines by seeking $54 million in damages for her lost laptop, which probably cost no more than $1,500 - $2,500. While I empathize with her frustration, it is cases like these that fuel the clarion call for damages caps and judicial reforms that go too far, and would unfairly penalize those individuals who are merely seeking fair and just compensation for their damages.
Although Raelyn Campbell seemingly has a valid claim, her shortsighted and headline-grabbing gambit undermines the claim and mocks the integrity of the judicial system.
Tags: frivolous lawsuits