At its core, litigious simply means being fond of or inclined to engage in lawsuits. If you’re litigious, you’re likely to pursue legal action to resolve disputes, and you’re highly likely to file a lawsuit when wronged. Rather than find alternative solutions to a problem, someone who is litigious is more likely to rely on the courts to help them achieve justice and get the desired result.
When Do People Become Litigious?
There are many reasons why someone could become litigious. In some cases, a person may become litigious out of anger or a desire to seek revenge for the harm done to them. In other cases, a person might become litigious in order to protect their rights in a contract dispute or to fight against an injustice. Additionally, some people turn to the legal system because they simply don’t understand the dynamics of negotiating a resolution out of court.
The Rise of Social Media-Fueled Litigiousness
In an age where digital platforms have made it easy to publicly shame someone and inflict damage to their reputation, litigiousness is on the rise. Individuals are increasingly turning to the courts to hold people accountable for online bullying and defamation of character. For example, in 2019, a high school student in Tennessee was ordered to pay more than $1 million in damages to a classmate after creating and posting a fake dating profile about her on Twitter.
Litigiousness in Business
Businesses may also become litigious when they believe their legal rights and interests have been violated or threatened. This could be done for a variety of reasons, including securing intellectual property rights, enforcing contracts, or pushing back against discriminatory practices. Whatever the underlying reason, many businesses have become more litigious in the face of an increasingly complex legal landscape.
What Are the Downsides to Being Litigious?
Being litigious can become costly and may even backfire. The legal system can be a complicated and time consuming process that can take a heat of money and resources to navigate. Additionally, lawsuits can create bad PR and be damaging to one’s reputation, particularly if they are the party filing the lawsuit. It’s important to always consider all the potential implications before engaging in legal action.
Making an Informed Decision
When faced with a legal issue, it’s important to consider all other potential resolution strategies before deciding to become litigious. Consulting a knowledgeable attorney can help make sure you have a thorough understanding of all of your options before you set out to seek justice in court. Ultimately, you alone can decide what is the best route for you.