ambulance chaser

noun

, Usually Disparaging.

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

ambulance chaser

noun

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

Derived Forms

• ambulance chasing, noun

Other Words From

• ambulance chasing noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ambulance chaser¹

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

"My name is Andrea Frottier, and I hope you don't mind that I mixed up, but I am a compulsive ambulance chaser," I told her.

From The Daily Beast

I didn't do it, and I can beat any case that half-assed ex-ambulance-chaser, Farnsworth, could dream up against me.

From Project Gutenberg

That peculiar condition which excites the lively interest of the ambulance-chaser.

From Project Gutenberg