Putting consumers ahead of windfalls

The Washington Times ^ | March 13, 2002 | James Sensenbrenner

[xsysmgr]

Hilda Bankston's only crime was filling FDA-approved drug prescriptions in Jefferson County, Miss. That's when the lawyers stepped in, smelling blood in the water.

For nearly 30 years, through hard work and long hours, Mrs. Bankston and her late husband had earned a solid reputation for running a caring and honest pharmacy helping people by filling their prescription needs. The Bankstons were living the American Dream.

[xsysmgr]

This will never happen. It's fair, reasonable, and the trial lawyers own Congress.

[Maceman]

I got a check out of the blue for $.86 a few months ago as my share of the settlement between Chase and the class action plaintiffs, of whom I was apparently one.

I had no beef with Chase. I hardly ever use their card. But I t steams me to think how much the plaintiff lawyers earned in mounting this pointless and costly action.

I'd like to see a law that lawyers cannot collect contingeny fees in cases where the benefit to a class-member plaintiff is less than $5,000.