Justice alive and thriving in Tarrant County
by Shannon Harrison, managing editor

    I believe that, in life, not everything is how it seems. Some people, however, think that they can make up their own truths, and it will be believed. This, as I have witnessed first hand, is not always the truth, which has put my faith back into the justice system.

   There are so many people out there that are lawsuit-crazy. Why? Well, how about a quick buck? Or, as a friend recently recited to me, “Whiplash gives me cash.”

   I really feel sorry for the people who actually get hurt in auto accidents. Not just because they got hurt, but because of people who pretend they are hurt, sue others and make it difficult for REAL victims to get compensated.

   It just blows my mind the lies people tell, under oath, because they want to make a quick buck without having to work for it. Who do these people think they are? Not only are they wasting money, but they are also wasting the time of lawyers, judges, witnesses, jurors and anyone else who is involved with the case.

   For people to go under oath and lie just baffles me. Then, when they get caught in the lie, they proceed to another lie to try to get them out of the first one.

   Do these people not know how stupid they look? How dare they try to make a “fishing story” out of something that is not there.

   People who do this ought to be ashamed of themselves. Yes, money makes the world go round, but what about integrity? These people have none.

   They think so much about themselves and ways they can better their pocketbook, they don’t even realize the consequences.
For those of you who have tried this, or are planning to, let me be the first to inform you that when you are on the witness stand lying through your teeth, we know it. Not only do we know it, but you look like a complete idiot.

   How dare you waste my time, and the time of others for your selfishness? We will see through your scheme, and in the end, you will be out of money when you are awarded nothing and left with your lawyer bills.

   Oh, and by the way, for those of you who think that television lawyers and doctors will really get you thousands, we also see right through them.

   To be honest, I don’t know who looks dumber, you or your lawyer.

   So the next time you are in an accident, make sure you are really hurt before you call a lawyer. Otherwise, you are hurting yourself and victims who may be truly hurt.

   When the jurors are in the conference room laughing, its not because they admire your witty sense of humor. It is because you look funny when you get caught red-handed on the witness stand telling a lie.

   Also, when your lies begin at the deposition, make sure they coincide with the lies you tell while you are on the stand. If you don’t, not only do you look stupid, but your case starts deteriorating at this point.

   For the record, if you are offered a settlement, I would take it. Greed gets you nowhere.

   In the end when you receive less from the jury’s decision, you will be kicking yourself because you couldn’t see past the dollar signs that you thought would be coming your way.

   That’s right folks, when the jury knows you are lying, you will pay for it.

   Here’s my advice: If you are really hard up for money, get a job.