A growing threat to small firms

Nation's Business, Feb, 1998 by Mary Y. McElveen

Have you ever been aware of a lawsuit in which the motive seemed to be more about money for the plaintiff and the plaintiff 's attorney than about justice? Have you ever known of an employer who had to spend major amounts of money and time to defend himself and the company against a questionable lawsuit in which the employer ultimately was cleared? Many of us could answer "yes" to both questions.

Unfortunately, the fairness and integrity of our civil-justice system are coming into question more frequently for a variety of -reasons, and the growing likelihood of being sued is posing a serious threat to small businesses. Our cover-story package, written by Mike Barrier, Steve Bates, and Dave Warner, outlines why. It also explains why advocates of reform, such as John McMillan (in the photo above) in Alabama and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, are determined to correct what many see as a good system gone wrong.

The story begins on Page 12. For details on the Chamber's reform drive, see the editorial, on Page 72. To express your views on this issue, please respond to the Where I Stand poll, on Page 65. The reform issue is critical to the future of small and large companies alike.

On a lighter note, Gertie (at left), owned by businessman Kevin Wyman in Redmond, Wash., conveys what many small-business owners feel but can't express openly toward problem customers. If you ever feel like Gertie looks heret, see the helpful hints we offer in "When Customers Are Bad Apple," on Page 50.

Another highly useful article to help business owners cope with management challenges is "Coming To Grips With Growth," on Page 26. If your company is facing possible expansion or may be someday, you won't want to miss this instructive article.