Part of the llitigation industry today consists of vast amounts of media items to raise awareness of “issues.” On that subject, Levick Communications explains:
“Central to any comprehensive litigation strategy is a communications plan deployed early in the process. Thus, fact-gathering, amicus briefs, media statements, regulatory outreach, employee messaging, and even jury arguments are skillfully planned and orchestrated for maximum public impact and effectiveness.
Plaintiffs and prosecutors have long used mass media to tell their side to the public. But their increased strategic use of digital and social media, as well as Search Engine Optimization, Internet blogs, and social networking sites has raised the stakes – intensifying their power to influence journalists, juries, regulators, analysts, lawmakers, potential litigants, and even judges. In today’s environment, ensuring effective management of the Court of Public Opinion has become a critical component of any litigation strategy.”
Examples? Insurers generate news stories from websites on “insurance fraud” and time and again issue papers and announcements about “insurance’ fraud” and “fraud in claiming.” While there surely have been some frauds, the problems are often overblown. But constantly raising the topic creates awareness.
On another side of the litigation industry, the plaintiff side, much ink is devoted to keeping “asbestos” and “health” out in front of people. A new example popped up this week, and is set out below. Note the consistent focus on raising awareness:
ADAO Praises Senate for Introduction of Sixth Annual Resolution that Establishes “National Asbestos Awareness Week”
March 03, 2010 02:44 PM Eastern Time
WASHINGTON–(EON: Enhanced Online News)–The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), the leading organization serving as the voice of asbestos victims, today applauds Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) and cosponsors for introducing a resolution that declares the first week of April as “National Asbestos Awareness Week” and seeks to “raise public awareness about the prevalence of asbestos-related diseases and the dangers of asbestos exposure.”
Additional cosponsors and key supporters include: Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL), Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Senator Harry Reid (D-NV), and Senator Jon Tester (D-MT).
“We are grateful to the U.S. Senate to have the opportunity to help raise the level of public awareness about the prolific dangers of asbestos and further unite doctors, scientists, and public health advocates during National Asbestos Awareness Week for this important effort. During the past six years, ADAO has seen the progress and indeed, this confirms what Americans deserve and want, we know asbestos prevention and education will save lives and dollars,” said Linda Reinstein, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization.
Asbestos is a known human carcinogen and exposure can cause asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Studies estimate that during the next decade, 100,000 workers around the world will die of an asbestos related disease – equaling 30 deaths per day.
ADAO will hold its Sixth Annual International Asbestos Conference on April 10, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois.
About Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004. ADAO seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. ADAO is the largest independent organization dedicated to preventing asbestos-related diseases through education and legislation. ADAO’s mission includes supporting global advocacy and advancing asbestos awareness, prevention, early detection, treatment, and resources for asbestos-related disease. For more information visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.