As verdict amounts rise, when does it become too much?

Mediation Circus

By Michael R. Panter

Hon. Michael R. Panter (Ret.) is a senior mediator at ADR Systems of America LLC. He previously served in the Law, Family and Municipal Divisions of the Cook County Circuit Court. He was a trial lawyer for 30 years. Share responses and comments at mikepanter.com.

Posted November 15, 2017 2:38 PM

Is there such a thing as too much? Lawyers, parties in litigation and especially insurers are asking. Judges have to be wondering.We’ve been seeing verdicts in ranges never before imaginable. Why? Here are possible reasons.Inflation in general. Not much to say about that.Unimaginable numbers in other sectors. Athletes’ and actors’ salaries. CEO pay. Silicon Valley startups. Budget deficits. Lottery numbers. We used to talk about millionaires — millionaires are so abundant, they’re not special …

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