Only in America?

[Business Brian]

Quite incredible:
 
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/01/12/eveningnews/main592779.shtml
 
excerpt:
 

Cindy Spina should be one of the happiest people around.

She finally won a sexual harassment lawsuit against her employer. It took six long years.

"I was elated," says Spina. "I can't even describe how I felt - I felt so good."

She was awarded $1.5 million, including fees for her attorney.

But then, as CBS News Correspondent Lee Cowan reports, the IRS got involved.

"This is where it gets to be Alice in Wonderland time," says attorney Monica McFadden.

After legal expenses, Spina was left with $375,000.

But the IRS wanted $475,000 in taxes. So not only did she have to give up her entire award, but she owed the $100,000 tax bill.

[becki]

I think I heard that on the news the other day. It probably does happen here, if you've got the money for the legal fees. You would need a union to even hope of winning.

[altyfc]

Is this kind of thing new?  Haven't we always known that taking people to court can cost you, the plaintiff, even if you win the case?  What am I missing?
 
Aaron