Thursday, April 28, 2011

Lawsuits versus taking responsibility for ourselves

did not know what to think when reading of the lawsuits lodged by Steven Rosten against Palace Cinemas, and Diane Caldwell against the Melbourne Cricket Club.

Some questions need to be asked.

Given the sheer number of people who attend the Anzac Day game at the MCG, how would it be even practicable for MCG staff to be able to clean up every item of food litter?

Could Caldwell have avoided slipping on the chips if she had been paying more attention to where she stepped? Though, this may have been difficult in an area crowded with people, since one has to be conscious of not bumping into others when walking around.

Lawsuits like this seem rather frivolous.

Then, if damages are awarded, what will the outcome be? Like those signs on the sides of coffee cups sold by the fast food chains;

'Caution, contents may be hot'

will the MCC soon have to put up signs warning people about the dangers of food litter like greasy chips around the Melbourne Cricket Ground?

Whilst it is accepted that the proprietors of public places like the Melbourne Cricket Ground have a duty of care, that people using these facilities are safe from potential hazards, where is the distinction between this, and people accepting responsibility for their own actions?

It appears that nowadays, for people who sue after injuring themselves in public places, notions of personal responsibility are eroding as such lawsuits become more common.