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“Frivolous” Lawsuits that Changed Personal Injury 

Personal injury lawsuits can allow Los Angeles residents to obtain compensation for severe and painful injuries caused by the reckless or negligent actions of another party. Injured victims are the ones left suffering after an accident, and with more than just medical expenses to think about. The city of Los Angeles sees its fair share of accidents every day, with about 5,224 motor vehicle accidents recorded in just the first half of 2025. Personal injury lawsuits can be used to seek rightful compensation for damages, but even some of the lawsuits that have shaped personal injury law as we know it have been deemed senseless or exaggerated by many. Keep reading to learn more about some of these “frivolous” lawsuits, how to navigate your personal injury lawsuit, and why a personal injury attorney from BD&J in Los Angeles should be your top choice! 

When Should a Personal Injury Lawsuit Be Filed? 

If you or a loved one were injured in an incident caused by the reckless or negligent acts of another person or entity, you could be entitled to pursue compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. It is best to talk with a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles as soon as possible, while evidence like witness testimonies, injury documentation, and memory is still fresh. The personal injury attorneys at BD&J have represented clients in claims involving accidents like: 

“Frivolous” Lawsuits that Changed Personal Injury 

Personal injury often has a reputation for being rife with “frivolous” lawsuits, exagerrating the severity of injuries and negligence. Despite how inaccurate this stereotype is, many people and businesses continue to perpetuate this assumption. In fact, several lawsuits have occurred in the past 50 years that have completely changed how personal injury law is handled, despite the widespread assumption that they were frivolous. These next few lawsuits contributed to a shift within personal injury, whether it was through a change in definitions, the legal process, the operations of certain companies, or even what constitutes a personal injury incident.  

Liebeck v. McDonald’s 

This 1994 personal injury case quickly gained recognition, and while at the time it was considered frivolous or even silly, the facts of the claim were anything but. 79-year-old Stella Liebeck had purchased a cup of coffee from a McDonald’s in Albuquerque that ended up spilling on her lap and causing the plaintiff third-degree burns on her thighs, groin, and other areas. Liebeck and McDonald’s did not reach an agreement on compensation, so the case was taken to trial where evidence showed the restaurant’s policy required coffee to be between 180 to 190 degrees Fahrenheit, which caused third-degree burns in seconds after contact. Factors that won Liebeck’s case in her favor included the fact that Liebeck’s wasn’t an isolated incident, and witness testimony from a quality assurance manager confirmed the coffee was not fit for consumption when poured into Styrofoam cups. 

Bigbee v. Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Co. 

This 1983 claim was taken to the California Supreme Court after being dismissed by a trial judge. Charles Bigbee was struck by a car while in a telephone booth owned by Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Co., suffering from serious injuries that included a necessary leg amputation. Bigbee sued for negligence, stating that by placing the telephone booth close to the road, the company was breaching the duty of care to protect Bigbee from foreseeable harm from a third party. A few factors that went into the determination of this case in Bigbee’s favor included the fact this was not an isolated incident, and a phone booth had been struck in the exact same spot previously. Also, the door to the phone booth had jammed, not allowing Bigbee to escape. 

 Grimshaw v. Ford Motor Co.  

While this 1981 case isn’t frivolous, it did cement itself as a landmark case that changed how product defects were handled due to an incident that happens often: a car accident. Lily Gray and 13-year-old Richard Grimshaw were traveling in a Ford Pinto hatchback that stalled on a highway. When the stalled vehicle was struck by another car, the Pinto exploded, killing Gray and severely burning Grimshaw. Through a personal injury lawsuit, it was discovered the manufacturer, Ford Motor Company, had been aware of a design flaw in one of its fuel tanks that caused this incident and several others. Grimshaw’s and Gray’s loved ones were awarded compensation, and the case overall emphasized the legal accountability held against companies in the face of the distribution of defective products.  

What Can a Personal Injury Attorney in Los Angeles Do for Me?  

If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident, product defect incident, or other accident caused by the reckless or negligent acts of another party, then you should speak with a Los Angeles personal injury attorney about filing a claim. While dealing with painful and serious injuries, you should not be left to fight a legal battle alone. The team at BD&J works with clients through every step of the claim process, including collecting evidence, navigating filings, leading negotiations, and much more.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

Will My Personal Injury Case Go to Trial? 

95% of personal injury cases end in pre-trial settlement. However, if you cannot reach an agreement for compensation with the other party, the case may go to court. You can expect an experienced personal injury lawyer from BD&J in Los Angeles to represent your best interests throughout the claim process. 

Do I Have a Case? 

Talking with a personal injury lawyer can help you determine where your claim stands. If the actions of another entity resulted in you or your loved one’s injuries, then you may have the legal right to pursue compensation that covers medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc. 

How Long Will My Case Take to Settle?  

Every personal injury claim is different, which means they all come with a unique timeline. Some cases can take months to settle, while others can take a year. Factors that can influence how long a case may take to settle include cooperation of the defendant, available evidence, court dockets, and deposition timelines. Consulting with one of our attorneys can help you learn more about the timeline of your case.  

How To Choose a Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer for Your Claim 

It is always recommended that you look to a personal injury lawyer for your claim as soon as possible. Take these steps to choose the right legal representative for your case. 

  1. Read reviews. – Reading online reviews can help you learn more about a particular law firm and how they treat clients/cases. Asking friends and family for lawyer recommendations can also be helpful. 
  2. Make sure their practice areas align with your needs. – If you are looking for a personal injury attorney who specializes in dog bite incidents, for example, then you want to make sure the law firms you are considering work in the personal injury branch and have experience dealing with dog bite incidents. Being able to navigate a law firm’s website and tell what their focus areas are is key.  
  3. Schedule a consultation. – Scheduling a free consultation with a law firm can allow an expert attorney to take a look at your case to determine what the next steps are. Schedule your free consultation with the team at BD&J today. 

      Dedicated Personal Injury Attorneys in Los Angeles that Will Fight for You 

      Some personal injury lawsuits may be described as frivolous, but as we can see, some of them have had an enormous impact on personal injury and set major precedents to help others bring claims in the future. If you are looking to file a personal injury claim, then work with the team at BD&J! With more than $2 billion* in damages recovered for injured clients, our diligent personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles fight for the rights of injured clients and their loved ones. Call us now to book your consultation!