Theresa Wallman

At a young age, my parents instilled in me a set of standards and conduct to teach me right from wrong. At least, it was their definition of what was right and wrong. Taught were the values of a traditional and conservative kind, meant to strengthen our family as well as the society at large. Human attributes such as kindness, loyalty and responsibility were valued in our family. We were accountable for our actions and had to face up to the consequences as a result. I grew up in a much different world back then; not the “it’s all about me world that we live in today”.

It is for this very reason that I have taken particular notice to a couple of “eye-popping billboards” that really caught my attention recently. One features a life size police officer in full uniform, hat and all, in an aggressive stance, pointing his finger, with a heading in giant letters that states “After 911, call 411”. The next line is “Call 800-###-PAIN”. Your first exam after a car accident.

Out of curiosity, I Googled the phone number to find a website that claims to give you the best care after a car accident. Pain Corp., headed by a chiropractor, states that “each caller gets the treatment and settlement they deserve”. Furthermore, he states that the firm “prides itself that you will get more care, and if necessary, the largest settlement”. It is a glitzy web-site, with video testimonials from patients, and with many references to having attorneys who can help you get the settlement you deserve.

Coincidentally, I heard a radio announcement for 800-###-PAIN on my way home from work this evening. It is obvious that this company is marketing to consumers who are looking to sue, and in this “sue happy world” we live in today; there are plenty of customers to get. By using billboards and radio advertising to drivers during rush hour traffic Pain Corp. is certainly marketing to their target audience!

Fast forward to the next billboard featuring a picture of a person slipping on a banana peel, flying up in the air with briefcase flying off in another direction. Welcome to whocanisue.com! “Know your rights, find the right attorney”! Pick your topic from an array of categories such as: Car Accidents; DUI/DWI/; Overtime; Wrongful Termination; Discrimination; Family Law and many more. Upon Googling the web-site http://www.whocanisue.com I saw that it has gained national media attention and controversy from the likes of CNN, CNBC, Time, Fox News and the Miami Herald. Here is another web-site designed to help people figure out who they can sue!

After having acquired unbelievable success in South Florida, connecting visitors with attorneys to handle their cases since October of 2008, whocanisue has branded its name and has branched out to Dallas, Texas with an aggressive advertising campaign in one of the largest markets in the country. Whocanisue.com says that they have made all of the necessary operational adjustments to maximize their value-added service and optimize their marketing efforts, thrusting them into the national spotlight and creating a prominent national brand. Looking to sue? This site wants you. Some critics say whocanisue.com plays to the worst elements of human nature.

In the quest for greed are they preying on emotional weakness? Good taste or bad?
To sue or not to sue?

Photograph Credit:
Sabrina Segal