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Our Litigious Times

Weird and Wacky Lawsuits

By Buck Wolf, About.com

Our legal system is bursting at the seams with unbelievable civil lawsuits. Some are frivolous, others are more than justified. Here's a look at some of the strangest of the strange.

Knife Baked Into Sandwich

Mustard wasn't the sharpest think in John Agnesini's sandwich. The 27-year-old is suing Subway for $1 million, claiming he purchased a 12-inch sub that contained a 7-inch knife. He says a doctor told him he had symptoms of food poisoning, which he believes came from the knife's plastic handle.

Unraveled at the Altar

This is not what the bride had in mind when she thought of someone falling apart at the altar: A 30-year-old Italian woman is suing her stylist says that her dress came undone while she was exchanging vows, leaving the priest not knowing where to look.

Devo Sues McDonald's

A new McDonald's character wears a hat that looks like the triangular "energy domes" that '70s new wave band Devo was sort of famous for. Devo actually trademarked their look . . . and they're going to "Whip It" with the burger giant in court.

No Joke: Comedian Faces Human Rights Tribunal

When you go to a comedy show, you might expect the stand-ups to make fun of you. Nevertheless, Canadian comic Guy Earle must now go before a British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal after facing off with a heckler and using what a victim describes as homophobic and sexist slurs.

Eye-Catching Thong Injury

Thong at Cannes FestivalPascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
In our litigious times, it’s no surprise that a 52-year-old California woman is suing Victoria’s Secret over a thong injury. The real question: How the heck did she hurt her eye while putting on underwear?

Janitor Falls From Stepladder and Sues School for 'Innadequate Training

A 73-year-old school caretaker says his supervisors never showed him how to safely use a 6-foot ladder and that's why he fell, even though he admits to using such ladders for more than 30 years without mishap.

Problem Gamblers Sue Canada Casinos

How's this for a long-shot: Thousands of gamblers have launched a multi-billion-dollar lawsuit claiming they were allowed entry into casinos even though they signed up for a program that should have excluded them.

Man Loses Lawsuit Over Flies in Bottled Water

Waddah Mustapha claims his sex life was ruined after he found two dead flies in his bottled water. Canada's Supreme Court swatted down his claims for a payoff.

Woman Accused of Faking Cancer

A lot of people call in sick. A woman in Arlington, Wash., is accused of taking bogus sick days to an all new level. She's being sued for allegedly faking letters from doctors that she had malignant brain tumors and receiving $21,000 in paid leave.

Mother Sues Town After Child Steps in Dog Dropping

A woman filed a $100 suit against the town of Norwalk, Conn., claiming a family outing at a local aquarium was ruined when her 1-year-old stepped in dog feces. Says the city attorney: "Poop happens."

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