Quote:
Originally Posted by ottopottomouse
I don't have a clue how the American legal system works at all - do these huge compensation demands over brief events ever get paid out or are they just for headlines?
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They "leaK" a big number in the news hoping it picks up traction. Once the news outlets report about the pending suit, counsel for the "victim", contacts opposing counsel for a settlement offer.
They tell the media they're going for $15M. They end up settling out of court, no media hoopla for around $5M. The attorney takes his 35% plus expenses, and the whole thing gets swept under the rug. It's media manipulation, employed to get desired results.
EDIT: Short answer, no, these big compensation demands are never paid at the actual amount.