"It might be the only effective tool available to some companies, " says Philip Murphy, a senior advisor at Giga Information Systems, in Norwell, Mass.

CNN: Managers turn away from retention bonuses for Y2K

Sabadini, now retired and living in Norwell, Massachusetts, told CNN that most lawyers quickly move on to the next case, but this one never quite left his mind.

CNN: Convicted rapist caught after nearly 35 years on run

Dr Nicholas Norwell, a medicolegal adviser from the Medical Defence Union, which represents and helps doctors facing complaints and legal action, also criticised the delays which left complaints "hanging over" doctors for up to three years in a few cases.

BBC: Complaints against GPs rise