Thursday, September 20, 2007

Dry Cleaner Closes Shop After $54 Million Suit

Anyone who doesn't think we need tort reform needs to read this.

The owners of a dry cleaner who were sued for $54 million over a missing pair of pants have closed and sold the shop involved in the U.S. dispute, their attorney said Wednesday.

The South Korean immigrants are citing a loss of revenue and the emotional strain of defending the lawsuit. They will focus their energy on another dry-cleaning shop they still own, said their attorney, Chris Manning...

The Chungs incurred more than $100,000 in legal expenses, which were eventually paid with help from fundraisers and donations.

Even after the trial ended favorably, Manning said, the Chungs lost customers and revenue. They have now closed two of their three businesses since the lawsuit began, he said.

Even when you win, you lose.