Commentary - ExamiNation: $65M lawsuit frivolous?

As you are undoubtedly aware, a $54 million lawsuit was recently brought in DC District Court against a small neighborhood drycleaners over a pair of alleged lost trousers. While the Court found resoundingly in favor of the business owners, Jin and Soo Chung, their ordeal is not yet over—they have drained their saving accounts contesting this frivolous lawsuit, and they have racked up over $100,000 in legal expenses. In order to help the Chungs defray their legal bills, ILR and the American Tort Reform Association are co-hosting a fundraiser on Tuesday evening, July 24 at 6 p.m. at the US Chamber Building in Washington, DC. Unfortunately, businesses large and small across America must deal every day with similar extortionist tactics from some plaintiffs’ lawyers. The collective outcome is not justice, but lost jobs, ruined businesses and billions of dollars in lost economic opportunity. Additional details, sponsorship opportunities and easy online at www.chungfundraiser.com.

As you are undoubtedly aware, a $54 million lawsuit was recently brought in DC District Court against a small neighborhood drycleaners over a pair of alleged lost trousers. While the Court found resoundingly in favor of the business owners, Jin and Soo Chung, their ordeal is not yet over—they have drained their saving accounts contesting this frivolous lawsuit, and they have racked up over $100,000 in legal expenses. In order to help the Chungs defray their legal bills, ILR and the American Tort Reform Association are co-hosting a fundraiser on Tuesday evening, July 24 at 6 p.m. at the US Chamber Building in Washington, DC. Unfortunately, businesses large and small across America must deal every day with similar extortionist tactics from some plaintiffs’ lawyers. The collective outcome is not justice, but lost jobs, ruined businesses and billions of dollars in lost economic opportunity. Additional details are available at www.chungfundraiser.com.

I sincerely hope this Pearson had to pay the dry cleaners court cost and lawyers fees. Losing his license to practice would be a just bonus.

Let us assume the jury or judge will rule in favor of Mr. Pearson. They will award let's us say half or one fourth of his claim. Definitely the laundry shop owners, whose decent business would go bankrupt, because one simple act of negligence of losing a pair of pants was thought by one moron to be worth millions. Since no one can guarantee how the jury or judge will rule under the best circumstance, why not put some brakes on what are clearly frivolous suits? Between decent business that pays taxes to the government against a moronic lawsuit instigated by a loser, who will the American justice system protect? By requiring proportionate filing fees, opportunistic litigants and jobless lawyers will think twice before going to court. And if a poor man wants to go to court but can't afford the fees on a clear and meritorious case, the American Civil Liberties groups will always find a way to help. Incidentally, America is not short of generous and decent people willing to help.

Even in the best of circumstances no one can guarantee how a jury or judge will rule. If fees control the justice system, only those with money will be able to assert their rights to litigation. If this is indeed a frivolous lawsuit, the judge will say so. If the judge continually makes what are to be considered incorrect judgements, then we as citizens have to reconsider the way judges are appointed or elected.

I heard on a radio talk show a few days ago that some lawyers are predicting Pearson will, if he doesn't get precisely what he's suing for, file an appeal. And if that one is turned down, he'll file another, then another, ad nauseam. We've probably not heard the end of this loser.

If the American courts would require a proportionate filing fee for every tort case, it would clear itself with frivolous and moronic lawsuits. In addition, time and taxpayer's money could be greatly saved. It is time that the taxpayers of America should start egging their court officials to take a hard look at their court dockets on frivolous lawsuits. You guys will be surprised, maybe most of these cases are being represented by opportunistic lawyers whose rich lifestyles comes from fees of negotiated settlement rather than hard litigation work simply because there are claimants who are willing to make a fool of themselves against timid defendants.

In my country, before one could sue another for damages, he should pay first a proportionate filing fee in accordance with court's schedule of fees. Applied in this case, Pearson would have paid at least $1.5 million before the case could be heard. This is the application of the principle of putting your money where your mouth is, and if he thinks he could win it, he will get the money to finance his case. This is my 2 cents worth of suggestion that may be used in reforming your tort law.

What more can be said about this lawsuit? If this clown isn't thrown out of court on the day of the verdict and ordered to pay the Chungs all their attorneys fees plus a heafty fine for the humiliation he has caused them, then this will just go down in history as another example of the gutless judicial system that we have in this country. Common sence and the United States. What an oxymoreon. Our polititions have turned the world up side down including our own country. Babyboomers may not see it but our poor children are going to so so sorry.We americans have a lot of great qualities but electing spineless, gutless, don't give a dam politions isn't one of them. Sorry for getting off track but I'm discussted with things like this lawsuite. Maybe Bill O'riley will fix everything in the Spin zone. Ya Think?

I saw one or two persons click on " DISAGREE" button repeatedly on the comment, May be that person is Mr. Pearson himself. If anybody disagree, please be brave and write up the reasons you disagree. Otherwise , it is a low class act which only Mr Pearson can do .....

A lose-lose situation for both Pearson and the Chungs. If (a mighty big "if") Pearson wins, no matter the amount, he's already financially ruined the Chungs, thus they won't be able to pay him, court order aside. And if the Chungs win (which I surely think they should) and if the judge orders Pearson to pay any amount to them for damages or whatever, the Chungs are out of luck. Pearson's broke and has been for years, so he certainly won't make any attempt to pay them anything. The only good thing that might come of this is that Pearson is not reappointed to the 10-year position. Weeding the chaff from the wheat, I believe this entire fiasco is based on one and one thing only: the blacks hatred for Orientals. The hate is even worse than blacks have for whites.

I personally have posted at ABC for this incredibly absurd 'lawsuit'(I use that term lightly) and Mr. Judge Roy Pearson and have tried to appeal to him myself about what harm he is doing to the 'image' of the legal community and the fact with the title of 'Judge' comes the responsibility to honor it by not abusing the power that that title holds. That title is a 'priviledge' not a right and he has lost most people's respect with his defiant ,self-centered stance! He should be 'stripped' of his title as he has abused it in one of the worst ways and for all of us who have to go through the court system we'll be thinking about 'Judge' Roy Pearson and laughing about the whole judicial system.........very serious situation in the end.

Actually, if you tally the coments (against and in favor) by far, most are against the judge. This must mean that someone is hitting the "disagree" button over and over again (on every comment someone reasons against the judge) thinking that will cause an impression. The only impression it causes is that it is frightening to think that there might actually be more people like him in the world.

Pearson should be disbared - he has abused the legal system and the Chungs enoug! He should get a life instead of ruining others.

Man am I glad I live in Canada ! A wonderfull place where people still have MORALS, and VALUES ! The Chungs should have immigrated here ! But for the Record... This Pearson character is an complete idiot !

If someone burned down my house, stole my car, and shot me in the leg (thus ruining my pants) then MAYBE I would feel justified in seeking $65 million in damages. But probably not. Pearson is a moron.

Only in America, particularily in Washington, DC could a public official, a judge, no less pull a bonehead stunt like this and be a public employee. God help those who appear before him for judgement because his ability is certainly limited. Maybe we should reexamine the BAR exam, because it must be too easy if someone like this can pass. Not only should he be disbarred, removed from public office, he should go to jail for wasting the time of the courts who could use that time in something that is really significant in the eyes of the law. What a moron!!!!

By this crazy lawsuit, Judge Roy Pearson is working out of his job for a long long time. Nobody wants him. Good bye good job, hello hard time, unemployment ....

Judge Roy Pearson is, in my opinion, a disgrace to the legal profession, his race and himself. He should be thrown out of court. He is a perfect example of why many of us have such a low opinion of the legal profession.

how does he feel he is entitled to 65 million dollars for a pair of stupid pants? were they pants that elvis wore? sure we can limit lawsuits against doctors who ruin peoples lives forever to what half a million dollars but a missing pair of pants is worth 65 mill. i hope mr pearson gets hit by an uninsured driver and loses his legs because the doctor is a moron. heck, i hope the doctor gives him a lobotomy! what a jerk face!

When are we going to stop messing around and get real before America falls apart. The worst will come to those who are wrong!

you have to be kidding .throw this jerk in a cell next to paris hilton.

This had merit if any, solely in small claims court. It was a $1k suit and should have been brought tere. This is an embarrassment to the judge himself more than anything else. Check the Wikki article on him and links to his divorce litigation. What's really awful is that so many people in the law would never act this way. He sets the image of over a million US lawyers back enough to deserve a legal response like fees, costs or a counter suit when the Defendants win this one. Go drycleaners! And... maybe the Judge didn't dismiss it to give him enough rope to hang himself. We'll see.

The judge is an outright certified looney. The Chungs should countersue for 67 million for infliction of the most cruel and unusal punishment.

This guy thinks the world owes him something. He is everything that is wrong with lawyers/courts. What a waste of our tax dollar. I think a village is missing someone.

I see the picture of this couple evidently hard working and honorable people, and I only need to read the headline of the story to feel compassion for them, and feel only shame and disgust for the judge who would have these people put out of business by his ridiculous suit. - Jeanne in Oklahoma

This is an excellent example of what is wrong with our judicial system. This (and I use the term very losely) "judge" should be de-froked, and dis-barred.

This article made me laugh, and in doing so made me poop little bit in my pants. Therefore I'm thinking about suing the Examiner for 10 trillion dollars in cleaning bill and emotional distress. Also, people who sympathized with Pearson on this message board made me shoot milk out of my nose, discoloring my monitor and damaging the keyboard. There for I may have to sue those people for damages, in the neighborhood of 10 zillion dollars. Since I was unable to adjust myself in the pants while wiping milk off the monitor and keyboard, I may also need to sue those people for causing sexual distress, and possilby sexual assault. Thank you Judge Pearson, for showing me the way to financial independence.

I've read many of the comments and find it hard to believe that people actually agree with the "judge". I do agree with the right of people to sue but this is abusive, plain & simple. If you want to discuss the man's integrity, google his name & you will see what he tried to do to his ex-wife in the past. This guy has issues and should not be allowed to practice.

I am just shocked that this is even possiable for this to happen! something is messed up in our court system to allow this. ( I would have thought there was something called common sense law) guess not! who and why would you allow this to go on in a court room this kind of hearing belongs in a nut house at best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This has to be the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard in my life.

This is out right CRAZY! If he wins there is no JUSTICE in AMERICA. Give me a break, can he or anyone serious say they have never made a mistake or over looked something. The Chung's agreed to pay for the damaged just let it go. I am telling you he shouldn't be a judge. I hope one day he gets treated the way he is treating these people.

Roy Pearson Jr. should never be given the power to place judgement on any person, EVER! He most certainly does NOT have good judgement even over his own affairs. It is ashame what he is trying to do. It makes me sick to my stomach to think peoples tax dollars are paying this mans salary. It truly does. Im looking forward to the day when I read the headline that because of his outrageuous act, he finds himself jobless and maybe even working at the very cleaners that he is trying to destroy. At least then he would be earning his money. What a joke.

This so called judge is a nut. Get him out of office

This 'so-called' judge should be thrown out. He is an embarrassment to our society.

Roy is a bigot, plain and simple. The Chungs should counter sue and file ethics challenges with the local bar. The days of the "passive Asian-American" are over!

Has anyone given any thought as to what would drive someone to come down that hard on the Chung's? I really wonder what the total dynamics of this matter is. Could it be that they really misstreated this guy so badly that it pushed him to use every aspect of the law in retaliation? I think there is more to this story than what the guy does for a living and the poor Chungs! I am have to assume Pearson was pushed to out rage over his treatment. I can not imagine any other reason for using the total force of the law otherwise. I ask myself if I would have settled and I can only say it would depend on how outragious the defendant behaviour was.

This has got to be the most craziest thing I've seen in a very long time. How it even got to court is also something to worry about! and doesn't say much for our law system. And Roy should be sued for extreme stupidity.

I couldn't make up a more ridiculous lawsuit if I tried.

But if I was the Chung's attorney I would counter-sue for 2 clients a day bringing in 3 dress shirts (for heavy starch) each ($6 so far) for 3 years (1096 days -- one of those years is a leap year) -- $6576 so far. Time 5 for pain and suffering and mental anguish -- $32,880. Times 2 for legal fees -- $65,760 so far ... If not then just counter-sue for over 1 million dollars against the judge and the District of Columbia and the UNITED STATES for fraud. After all we did lie to these (very legal) immigrants, about the American dream and how EVERYBODY that is in this country legally is entitled to it.

In response to the idiot who filed a post under the name About Time, you need to get your facts straight. Firstly, you said, "These people had every opportunity to resolve this situation without their routines of acting ignorant to the problem." Excuse me? How do you know they had "routines of acting ignorant?" That is extremely stereotypical and ignorant to say that when I doubt you even know how these people do business. Secondly, you said they had many opportunities to remedy the problem but didn't, but FYI, the Chungs offered three settlements ranging from $3000-12,000 for a pair of pants! Thirdly, you said Pearson was a "reasonable man." Give me a break, for someone who should be protecting the public to use vaguely worded consumer laws to drive others out of business is anything but reasonable. I think it's "about time" that the writer of that post get a mental examination. It says a lot about how much time you have on your hand to put in two poorly worded, poorly reasoned post

Just another day in the good old US of A. All this over a pair of pants!

I can't imagine being in Chung's situation. You were not doing much wrong and suddenly your whole life becomes worthless in one day. I would think about killing myself seriously. What did they do wrong exactly compared to any other dry cleaners or any human being that is subject to human errors for that matter?

People are totally miss-focused on the wrong issues here.1, the plaintiff’s employment or profession has nothing whatsoever to do with the dispute.2, so many dry cleaners today have a defensive attitude and do play the “I don’t understand you” when you politely bring up a concern, error, damaged or lost clothing. It is how one is treated that is the issue. I assure you from my experiences, the treatment is abusive, arrogant, rude and to bad along with their yelling and feigning responsibility for anything wrong they have done. This treatment is designed to get rid of you, not give customer satisfaction or service. Most cleaners realize it takes effort, expense to file against them, try the matter and collect the damages. They are abusing the system by betting that most damaged customers will not put themselves to the time eating task of suing. I have no sympathy for the Chung family. Too bad they ran up against a man they totally abused who is beating them at their own stupid game

I am Russian and saw this by Russian television. I know this dry cleaning biz a little bit from persons directly involved. I think in US it is the same. This biz is difficult in a scence that you have to perform a lot of operations manually. My grandfather had been a director of a big enterprise, including dry cleaning, which was awarded 2nd best in USSR. As a child I visited it many times. I can tell you it can often happen here as well like that: if the customer's trousers have an extra spot and it is more dirty than the jacket they send it back for the second cleaning. If they use very strong detergent, the close may whiten, so they clean twice if dirty, and I can imagine very well how trousers can be "lost" and then "found". This biz is very "annoying" since many customers are not always satisfied of this or that, but they are mostly women, that male judge is a really weird and strange guy. I think american dry cleaners better not serve lawyers and judges, not to become bankropt.

Dear Maria: you don't have a choice--he is a judge. Which totally creeps me out by the way.

This guy also want a lot of money for emotional damages just for a pair of pants but can you imagine if he lose the case? how much money you think he will be asking? Triple the amount. I pity this guy for lacking of judgement and worse he is a JUDGE/LAWYER. I would not have him representing me in court.

Where does 'about time' see that the Chungs were pulling an abusive routine? They offered the judge more than the cost of the original suit as compensation? He could have purchased an antire new suit and had money left over? It is called an 'accident'. People are human and errors are made. The 'good faith' offers by the Chungs were more than generous. Gimme a break judge! What are you thinking!

I have no sympathy whatsoever for the Chung’s. These people had every opportunity to resolve this situation without their routines of acting ignorant to the problem. They felt had the upper hand. They abused this alleged position of strength to the degree that they incited a reasonable man to use all of the legal powers our legal system provides to everyone in our wonderful country. However, the abusive routine they tried to pull on Pearson blew up in their faces. Many of us spend thousands of dollars a year on dry cleaning, laundry and cleaners and we all have been in the same frustrating position Mr. Pearson is in. We feel Mr. Pearson is well within his rights. The Chugs’ have the same choice any business has to either do their job honorably and with integrity or face the adverse consequences. They obviously chose to be other than forthright.

Thank you, Judge Pearson, for seeking justice. May God give you the reward that you deserve.