ambulance chaser

American  

noun

Usually Disparaging.

1. a lawyer who seeks accident victims as clients and encourages them to sue for damages (sometimes used facetiously).

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ambulance chaser British  

noun

1. slang a lawyer who seeks to encourage and profit from the lawsuits of accident victims

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ambulance chaser Idioms  

1. An attorney who seeks to profit from someone's injury or accident; also, an inferior lawyer. For example, Karen refused to join any law firm that included ambulance chasers. The practice of suing for damages on behalf of the injured person in exchange for a contingency fee—usually a large percentage of the amount so won—may be older, but this derogatory term began to be used for lawyers who actively sought out individuals injured in accidents who required an ambulance. [Slang; late 1800s]

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Other Word Forms

• ambulance chasing noun

Etymology

Origin of ambulance chaser

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Example Sentences

The post describes Cooper as an ambulance chaser who preys on people who have just gone through a horrific accident so she can get the exclusive.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Jones already testified last month during the plaintiffs presentation — a contentious appearance in which he called an attorney for the victims families an ambulance chaser.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 4, 2022

She has been branded an ambulance chaser and a media hound, and been pilloried on late-night shows and episodes of South Park and The Simpsons.

From The Guardian • Feb. 16, 2018

I can see it now: the 21st century's equivalent of the 20th's ambulance chaser attorney will be the driverless car chaser.

From New York Times • Nov. 7, 2017

"Why, your new case, to be sure," grinned Bonnie, who, had he been employed by any other firm, might have run the risk of being regarded as an ambulance chaser.

From Tutt and Mr. Tutt by Train, Arthur Cheney