Welcome to another edition of Loopy Lawsuits.
As mentioned in previous posts, I do a cartoon illustration every month for Inside Counsel Magazine’s humor feature about unusual lawsuits. They send me short summaries of four cases, I sketch out an idea for each, they pick the one they like best.
Here’s the winner for the February 2013 issue. A master LEGO builder (who constructs large museum displays using LEGO toy bricks) sued Toys “R” Us for allegedly shortchanging him. He claims they promised him some free sets with his purchase, but then substituted sets of lesser value. I asked myself how a master LEGO builder might aggressively pursue his lawsuit.
And for the upcoming March 2013 issue: Five prison inmates are suing several beer, wine, and liquor companies for failing to warn them that their products are addictive and can lead to poor life choices. Here they are being duped again…
Here are some of the rough sketches that weren’t chosen:
A couple is suing Ford Motor Company because they don’t like their replacement vehicle. Their original Ford Escape XLT was red with stone-colored interior. Unfortunately, it had recurring transmission problems. Ford replaced it with an Escape that was steel blue with charcoal interior. The couple sued because it didn’t match the original colors.
A man is suing Spike TV and its “reality” show Big Easy Justice, which features a ruthless tattooed bounty hunter who wears a baseball cap, bluetooth headset, and a microphone clip. The plaintiff claims the show falsely accused him of grand theft auto
and ruined his reputation.
Shoe designer Charles Philip sued retailer Gap for copying his trademark luxury loafers. Philip claims Gap is selling a knockoff shoe that costs 80% less than the original.
A steel salesman sued his former employer, Superior Supply and Steel. The plaintiff claims he was fired because he refused orders to take customers to strip clubs and help them obtain sexual favors.
The former manager of an American Apparel store is suing the retailer’s CEO for verbal and physical abuse, wrongful termination, and for shoving dirt in his face.
A customer sued the Chuck E. Cheese restaurant chain over the actions of a waitress. The plaintiff alleges the waitress accused her boyfriend of not paying for the salad bar, snatched away his plate and threw a napkin dispenser at him, and then attacked the plaintiff with a knife.
What do you think? Ever had someone bean you with a napkin dispenser, or had a bounty hunter break down your door? (Please say no.) Is a growing lack of civility driving some of these lawsuits? Hope you’ll leave a comment.
