Why Do Personal Injury Lawyers Want to Circle the Wagons or Sue Everyone?

This painting by American artist, Charles M. Russell hangs on the walls of Iacobelli Law Firm, and serves as a reminder to circle the wagons when making an offense.  In many lawsuits that we commence on behalf of our clients, a decision is made to sue all parties with any relationship to the event at issue.  For instance, in a car accident, all of the drivers and owners of the involved vehicles may be sued.  Similarly, in a product defect case, the manufacturer, distributers and retailer would typically all be named as defendants in the lawsuit. 

Sometimes, the information gathered suggests who the real target should be, but that is not always readily discernable.  I was reminded from a very experienced trial lawyer, friend and mentor from New York, that lawyers are not to make findings of fact - that role is reserved for judges and juries.  It is for this reason, that many trial lawyers, myself included, circle the wagons and sue everyone that had a real connection with the events of the case.  This method guards against the risk of failing to name an essential party to the action.  Most of the time, through the process of litigation and discovery, it becomes clear which parties should remain in the lawsuit, and which should be released.  

So, when you initiate your claim, remember to circle the wagons!

Andrew Iacobelli is an experienced personal injury lawyer who established Iacobelli Law Firm with offices located in Ontario, Canada as well as offices in Florida, U.S.A. Andrew restricts his practice to the representation of personal injury victims in claims involving serious injuries and wrongful death.