“Engel has made an important contribution to the debate about the future of tort law. He presents an exceptionally clear and compelling explanation of why most injurers are never asked to pay compensation for the harm they have inflicted on others—and why most injury victims never receive justice. In showing how and why this happens, he also offers us a way to change it.”

Former US Congressman Henry Waxman

“An insightful and thought-provoking investigation into what people in America really do when someone injures them, why, and what we can do about it. Engel examines the facts and exposes the truth: the vast majority of people injured by others’ wrongdoing don’t sue or even consider suing. He then explains why—and the high price we’re all paying as a result. The Myth of the Litigious Society calls for public policy based on reality and dedicated to making sure the law compensates, deters, and does justice as it should.”

Arthur Bryant, chairman of Public Justice

“Engel provides an important counterpoint to the rampant irresponsible reporting on civil justice, arguing persuasively that the oft-repeated claims about the litigious society are wrong. We’re a nation of lumpers—not a nation of litigants—and Engel shows both why this is so and why our tendency to ‘lump it’ is a serious problem for us all.”

Tom Baker, University of Pennsylvania Law School

“In this well-crafted book, Engel undertakes an incisive and engaging examination of a puzzling aspect of our legal culture and issues a profound challenge to our notions of the efficacy of legal remedy.”

Marc Galanter, University of Wisconsin–Madison

Engel writes well and makes a strong case. How sound is his thesis? Sachin Pandya, a professor at the University of Connecticut School of Law has pointed out that Engel’s thesis is supported by studies that show that a good percentage of people choose not to sue for injuries. This may be so even when they have a winning case. He calls this reaction 'underclaiming,' and he finds Engel’s explanations for underclaiming an important contribution."

The Federal Lawyer

"Using references to movies, fiction, and personal accounts, [Engel] makes a theoretical subject more accessible. Though at heart, this is a sociological treatise, so expect a dollop of theory. . . . Clearly written, the book sets forth the author's position in nine short chapters and contributes to the debate."

Library Journal

"Engel presents a convincing argument for a shifting of the dominant narrative based on evidence of the insufficiency of the civil justice system and social science studies that explain why human nature and societal forces have led to the current predicament."

London School of Economics Review of Books