Bizarre Lawsuits That Actually Went to Trial
They say truth is stranger than fiction, and that sentiment certainly rings true in the world of law. While we’re used to hearing about traditional lawsuits involving personal injury, wrongful termination, or contract disputes, there have been some cases that have managed to capture our attention for their sheer absurdity. From suing over a bad haircut to claiming that a cat’s purring caused hearing loss, these bizarre lawsuits have made their way into the courtroom and left us scratching our heads. Let’s take a look at some of the most outlandish lawsuits that actually went to trial.
The Case of the Disappearing Trousers
In a case that almost sounds like it could be a plot line from a sitcom, a Washington D.C. judge filed a lawsuit against his dry cleaner for $65 million after they lost a pair of his pants. The judge claimed that the cleaners had failed to deliver on their promise of “satisfaction guaranteed” and demanded compensation for damages such as inconvenience, mental distress, and attorney’s fees. The case went to trial and even made national headlines, but in the end, the judge was ultimately awarded $12,000 in damages.
The Ice Cream is too Cold
We all have our preferences when it comes to our favorite frozen treat, but one woman in New York took her ice cream preferences to a whole new level. She sued a popular ice cream company for selling her ice cream that was too cold, claiming that it caused her to experience “headaches, tooth pain, and throat pain.” Despite her claim that the ice cream was falsely advertised as “soft” and “smooth,” the woman’s lawsuit was ultimately dismissed by the judge.
The Haunted House Hijinks
Haunted houses are a popular attraction around Halloween, but things took a serious turn in Ohio when a couple sued a haunted house for emotional distress. They claimed that the attraction was so realistic that it caused the wife to suffer a heart attack and the husband to suffer a panic attack. Despite these claims, the judge ultimately ruled in favor of the haunted house, stating that the couple had willingly participated in the scare and therefore assumed the risk.
The Suitcase Monkey Business
When it comes to flying, most people worry about misplaced luggage or delays, but one woman in Australia had a different concern. She sued an airline for $200,000 after a monkey escaped from its cage during a flight and bit her. The woman claimed that the airline was negligent in allowing the monkey on the flight and that the incident had caused her to suffer ongoing fear and anxiety. The case was settled out of court, with the woman reportedly receiving a monetary sum as well as an apology from the airline.
A Doggone Ridiculous Lawsuit
In a case that has dog lovers everywhere shaking their heads, a man in Boston sued his neighbor’s dog for $1 million after it allegedly barked too much. The man claimed that the constant barking had caused him to suffer from severe stress, leading to health problems and a loss of enjoyment in his own home. The case went to trial and while the man was not awarded the full $1 million, he was still awarded a significant amount in damages.
The Haircut Heard Round the World
In a case that truly takes the saying “hair today, gone tomorrow” to a whole new level, a man in New York sued his hairstylist for $2.5 million after a bad haircut. The man claimed that the botched cut had caused him to suffer from “emotional distress, anger, and loss of self-esteem.” The case went to trial and while the judge did award the man $790 for the cost of the haircut and damages, the rest of his requested amount was dismissed as unreasonable.
From misplaced pants to haunted house scares, these bizarre lawsuits may seem like something out of a comedy skit, but they are real cases that have gone to trial. While some may have been dismissed, others have resulted in unexpected outcomes. So the next time you think your lawsuit is a bit far-fetched, just remember these cases and think again.
