Tuesday, May 16, 2006

San Diego Lawyer Sues After Man Denied a Mother's Day Bag

From time to time, I will write about what I consider to be abusive or ridiculous lawsuits. In one recent article, I wrote about a lawyer who sued the internet dating site eHarmony because they would not let him register until his divorce was final. I've also written articles about attorneys file predatory lawsuits under the Americans with Disabilities Act. But one of my personal favorites is a lawsuit filed by a man who didn't a gift bag at baseball game on Mother's Day last year.

According to a story on Channel 10 News, San Diego attorney Alfred Rava filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for sex and age discrimination. Rava's client was apparently upset when he was denied a tote bag on Mother's Day at an Angels game in 2005. The suit was brought under a California law called The Unruh Act which prevents businesses engaging in arbitrary discrimination.

Attorney Rava has an interesting history of filing other ridiculous lawsuits. He has previously sued a number of local bars that sponsor a "ladies night", alleging that the practice constitutes unlawful sex discrimination. He has also apparently sued the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers over gift promotions. My hope is that someday, the California State Bar will catch up with Mr. Rava in the same way it has done with other lawyers who have a history of filing abusive or ridiculous lawsuits in California.

About the Author: Carl H. Starrett II has been a licensed attorney since 1993 and is a member in good standing with the California State Bar and the San Diego County Bar Association. Mr. Starrett practices in the areas of bankruptcy, business litigation, construction, corporate planning and debt collection.

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