Texans for Lawsuit Reform

Through political action, legal, academic and market research, and grassroots initiatives, TLR fights for common-sense reforms that keep Texas open for business.

  • About TLR
    • Our Mission
    • Our Team
    • Timeline of Reforms
  • Videos
  • Issues
  • Resource Center
    • Special Reports
    • In the News
    • Press Releases
    • The Advocate
    • TLR Blog: For the Record
  • Get Involved
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Invite a TLR Speaker
  • Donate
  • Stay Informed
For the Record

As Seen on TV


Every day, Texans are inundated with a relentless stream of advertising for legal services.

As we’ve discussed before in this blog, personal injury trial lawyer advertising is neither new nor unique to a certain part of the country. If you’re watching TV, it seems these ads are inescapable.

A new report from the American Tort Reform Association shows just how common these ads are. In the fourth quarter of 2018, Texas TV viewers in the state’s four largest media markets saw an average of $4.1 million worth of legal services ads. This translates to an average of one legal services ad every minute in these four media markets.

In Dallas-Fort Worth, viewers saw an average of 14 local legal services ads an hour. Viewers in Houston saw 12 times as many legal services ads as commercials for banks. San Antonio saw the highest amount of spending on legal services ads, despite the media market being only a third of the size of Dallas and Houston. In Austin, viewers saw eight legal services ads for every one supermarket ad and four times as many legal services ads as fast food ads.

These are just local legal services ads. This does not include ads aired by out of state law firms and client generators that often target prescription drug and medical device users. As you may know, the Texas Legislature is considering a bill this session to rein in the language used in some of those ads that misleads some viewers into thinking the ads are supported by medical experts, or that they should stop taking medication at the risk of being injured by the drug.

This legislation, Senate Bill 1189, has passed the Texas Senate and is now before the House. Its bill author, Dr. Dawn Buckingham, is a physician who is concerned about the public health effects these ads are having on viewers, particularly the older Texans who the ads target. The House author of the companion bill, Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, made a strong case in a committee hearing that other advertisers aren’t allowed to mislead viewers, and lawyers should be treated no differently.

It is clear Texas has no shortage of legal services ads. And as long as those ads are not misleading or giving the type of advice that should only be given by a doctor, they should certainly be allowed to air on TV. But we should all be concerned any time an ad misleads people into taking an action that could potentially hurt or kill them, as the FDA has found is the case with some legal services ads.

Follow us on Facebook

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

Texans for Lawsuit Reform

3 days ago

Texans for Lawsuit Reform

A great turnout at our 88th Legislative Session Lunch & Learn today! Thanks to all the legislative staffers who joined us to hear about TLR’s agenda this session. ... See MoreSee Less

A  great turnout at our 88th Legislative Session Lunch & Learn today! Thanks to all the legislative staffers who joined us to hear about TLR’s agenda this session.Image attachment
View on Facebook
·Share

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email

  • Likes: 2
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 0

Comment on Facebook

Texans for Lawsuit Reform

3 days ago

Texans for Lawsuit Reform

In case you missed it: Check out the TLR Advocate to read our top priorities for the 88th legislative session, guest columns, and an update on the expanding TLR team. Read and share: bit.ly/3ZHdEva ... See MoreSee Less

In case you missed it: Check out the TLR Advocate to read our top priorities for the 88th legislative session, guest columns, and an update on the expanding TLR team. Read and share: https://bit.ly/3ZHdEva
View on Facebook
·Share

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email

  • Likes: 0
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 0

Comment on Facebook

Texans for Lawsuit Reform

4 days ago

Texans for Lawsuit Reform

Public nuisance lawsuits have expanded beyond their traditional use into a way to regulate through litigation. TLR is dedicated to preventing the public nuisance doctrine from becoming a catch-all cause of action used to impose one person’s political views on society as a whole. Read and share: bit.ly/3ZHdEva ... See MoreSee Less

Public nuisance lawsuits have expanded beyond their traditional use into a way to regulate through litigation. TLR is dedicated to preventing the public nuisance doctrine from becoming a catch-all cause of action used to impose one person’s political views on society as a whole. Read and share: https://bit.ly/3ZHdEva
View on Facebook
·Share

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email

  • Likes: 0
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 0

Comment on Facebook


Follow us on Twitter

lawsuitreform avatarTLR@lawsuitreform·
3 Feb 1621598756633288707

A great turnout at our 88th Legislative Session Lunch & Learn today! Thanks to all the legislative staffers who joined us to hear about TLR’s agenda this session. #txlege

Twitter feed video.
Image for the Tweet beginning: A  great turnout at
Twitter feed video.
Image for the Tweet beginning: A  great turnout at
Reply on Twitter 1621598756633288707Retweet on Twitter 1621598756633288707Like on Twitter 16215987566332887071Twitter 1621598756633288707
lawsuitreform avatarTLR@lawsuitreform·
3 Feb 1621539669228879873

#ICYMI: Check out the TLR Advocate to read our top priorities for the 88th legislative session, guest columns, and an update on the expanding TLR team. Read and share: https://bit.ly/3ZHdEva

Twitter feed video.
Image for the Tweet beginning: #ICYMI: Check out the TLR
Reply on Twitter 1621539669228879873Retweet on Twitter 1621539669228879873Like on Twitter 1621539669228879873Twitter 1621539669228879873
lawsuitreform avatarTLR@lawsuitreform·
2 Feb 1621267523164426242

TLR is working to make the Texas legal system fair, efficient, and accessible for all. Learn more: #txjustice #txcourts

TLR at a Glance

TLR's objective is to restore litigation to its traditional and appropriate role in our society. A lawsuit takes a heavy emotional and financial toll ...

bit.ly

Reply on Twitter 1621267523164426242Retweet on Twitter 1621267523164426242Like on Twitter 16212675231644262421Twitter 1621267523164426242

Texans for Lawsuit Reform
1701 Brun Street
Houston, Texas 77019

Ph. 713-963-9363
  • About TLR
  • Our Mission
  • Our Team
  • Timeline of Reforms
  • Videos
  • Issues
  • Resource Center
  • For the Record
  • Special Reports
  • In the News
  • Press Releases
  • Invite a TLR Speaker
  • Get Involved
  • Invite a TLR Speaker
  • Donate
  • Stay Informed
  • Contact TLR

Copyright © 2023 · Texans for Lawsuit Reform. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Texans for Lawsuit Reform.
All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy