[PhantomGremlin]

America: The Land of Litigation

The key to understanding (at least this particular case) is: The case ... was brought by a Chicago real estate attorney named Barbara Andersen

The key is that this attorney doesn't have to pay anyone to file the suit. She does it herself. She's working pro bono on behalf of herself. A lot less expensive to do it that way.

Maybe she's bored? Maybe she's developed a bad rep and can't make enough money as a real estate attorney? Maybe she just enjoys the lulz? At any rate, all it's costing her is some filing fees. She's probably not paying an attorney by the hour to advise her.

This type of shit would go away if there was something approximating true "loser pays" in USA court. Right now the guy would have to file a counter suit, hire an attorney, and hope he wins the counter suit. And then hope that the judge awards significant damages.

In the meantime he could wind up spending the entire worth of the treasure on legal fees. Too bad he studied to be a doctor instead of a lawyer. :)

[OldHand2018]

I think there is something extremely fishy about that.

Attorneys have to be publicly registered to practice law in the location in which they are filing lawsuits.

The New Mexico state bar association lists no admitted attorney with that name.

[snowwrestler]

I think this does not apply to litigation where a person is representing themselves.

[OldHand2018]

Hmm, that's a good point. Perhaps that is possible.