This ALJ is an absolute disgrace to the American legal system and to the legal profession!
A lawsuit for an outrageous amount of money over one stupid pair of pants!
This individual is clearly abusing the American legal system. If individuals like this would stop their greedy pleadings, the conservative drive for tort reform would have less traction. The greed of a few people like this want to be greedy against mom 'n'pop businesses makes the justification for corporate-friendly-in-all-ways laws so much easier.
If certain individuals like this $million$-pair-of-pants-pleader were to restrain their greed, perhaps we could have decent worker protections. But, because the greedy few spoil the game for the rest of us, corporate America basically gets its way.
A pair of pants or any item of clothing is easily replaceable. The pair mentioned in the lawsuit aren't even mentioned as top-level designer or anything, so I'm assuming they're standard business suit trousers that are worth, at the most, about $200.00 when bought new.
Anyone with common sense has been to Saturday morning yard sales, flea markets or thrift stores and can see how many clean, serviceable, and often name-brand clothing is available - - - never mind what's available new at department stores, specialty shops, and even the 5th Avenue ateliers.
Owing to economic circumstances, I've been shopping at the Goodwill lately for a wardrobe upgrading. I've spent about $200.00 (gas to/from included) and, in the course of several visits, have picked up a solid 2 weeks+' worth of changes for a business wardrobe, plus plenty of casual things. Over a span of several months, I've picked up everything from blouses to pants to jackets to jeans and casual shirts to one very expensive coat (bought for $2.00) for special occasions - - all for about $200.00 and some time.
Even if I were to use this ALJ's tactic and count all my "hidden costs" or "future costs" including vehicle wear and tear, tires, the marginal costs of future hybrid battery replacement in my Prius, and time expenditures, I've spent no more than $550.00 upgrading an entire wardrobe. Hardly one pair of pants. Try about 15+ jackets and numerous uncounted blouses/pants etc. I estimate alteration expenses at about $100.00 so that makes $650.00.
Yes, they're used, but I look very closely for damage, tears, stains, soiling, wear and the like, before I buy. I found several items with store tags still on them and quite a few more that had only been worn once or a few times.
The washable items all go out on my clothesline and are dried by the sun and wind. The woolen items are hanging in my closet waiting for winter...if the cleaners lose something, who cares?! I know where I can get replacements!
I happen to wear relatively common sizes and therefore I can easily buy used. You know...the whole environmental thing...reuse...recycle...
However, I also believe in buying American and supporting American workers.
It's getting very hard to find clothing that's actually made right here in the USA by American workers. Every time I go in the local department store and look at labels, I see "Made in China." That's another reason that I have started shopping for used clothing rather than buying new.
Recently, I found a small North Carolina outfit that custom-makes clothing right here in North Carolina. The firm
caters to all friendly American gals in the Plus Sizes. I think it would be nice to give 'em a little free-unasked-for plug because they're a small business and are "Doing the Right Thing" and employing American workers. I'm entirely neutral in their market...I don't even know the owner and I don't wear a plus size.