Doing the same thing the same way you always have can create big exposure in a trucking lawsuit. Following the dogma of “how everyone does it” can be a verdict detonator.
Routine. It is the way we do it day-after-day. Because we always have. Because everyone does. Because we never had a problem. Because “Big Companies” do it that way.
All is good—until the lawsuit arrives. Then those rote tasks come under the microscopic scrutiny of the billboard lawyer.
Nuclear verdict don’t come from the facts of the accident. They are a product of systemic failures upon which the plaintiff attorneys prey.
In today’s world of multi-million dollar verdict where a plaintiff crossed into the truck’s lane or where a plaintiff rearended a truck, it is crucial to eliminate any vulnerabilities.
What seems nonconsequential can explode in the courtroom. “Safety by Slogans”. “Soft Hours”. “The Call”. “Preventable” process. These are just a few of the “routine” procedures that are taken for granted
They seem simple enough. Standard. No deep analysis required. But failing to do these in a specific manner or by doing them in the wrong way can cost your company millions.
Change isn’t easy. And the easiest excuse for a blow up is “the way we always do it.” Who’s gotten into big trouble for that?
But in today’s litigious society where our industry is targeted, change is not an option. It’s a necessity. We need to tighten up those “routine” procedures and deprive those who prey upon us of the verdict accelerator they need.
During the coming year, I’ll identify the key targets. More importantly, I’ll address what can be done to correct the flaws and protect against an attack.
A monthly newsletter will expand on the exposure and remedy. Monthly appearances on the Mark Willis Show on SiriusXM radio. Webinars and podcasts will dive deeper into what you need to do. YouTube videos. Podcasts. LinkedIn posts.
Avoid “Death by Dogma”. Identify the flaws. Learn the needed change. And how to make it.