Only in America though? Wouldn't be so sure, the culture of blaming others for your own stupidity is becoming pretty ingrained in this country too, and lawyers are always the winners.
i remember the case of a woman sued Mcdonalds here when she bought a coffe and placed on her lap while driving , hence the coffe spilleed onher legs, won the cse on a techniality that the coffe was to hot to be served.....oh dear me.