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.
As businesses reopen across the U.S. after coronavirus shutdowns, many are requiring customers and workers to sign forms saying they won’t sue if they catch COVID-19. Read and share: bit.ly/2YVICRG
Businesses ask patrons to waive right to sue if they get ill
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As businesses reopen across the U.S. after coronavirus shutdowns, many are requiring customers and workers to sign forms saying they won’t sue if they catch COVID-19."those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
Studies show that on average, Louisiana families pay $4,000 more per year through costs associated with the state’s legal climate. These are things such as auto insurance rates driven sky-high by lawsuits, as well as increased prices associated with goods such as food, medicine, lumber and other items that have to be transported by commercial trucks. Read and share: bit.ly/3dFNZd3
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Our state's businesses have been forced to confront the uncertainties of a pandemic and a public health emergency, as well as an unprecedented economic crisis. It’s abundantly clear that we’re fac...What institutions of higher education do not yet have is assurance that they will not be met with costly litigation if, as seems inevitable, someone gets sick on campus despite their best efforts. Read and share: bit.ly/3eKBNJ9
A shield from lawsuits could help our schools resume teaching and research
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What institutions of higher education do not yet have is assurance that they will not be met with costly litigation if, as seems inevitable, someone gets sick on campus despite their best efforts.
TLR is working to make the Texas legal system fair, efficient and accessible for all. Learn more:
About - Texans for Lawsuit Reform
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 ...
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As businesses reopen across the U.S. after #coronavirus shutdowns, many are requiring customers and workers to sign forms saying they won’t sue if they catch #COVID19. Read & RT: #lawsuitreform #tortreform
Businesses ask patrons to waive right to sue if they get ill
As businesses reopen across the U.S. after coronavirus shutdowns, many are requiring customers and workers to sign forms saying they won’t sue i...
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Since TLR’s founding, our supporters have made their voices heard at the Capitol by phone, e-mail & personal visits on every issue that affects a healthy civil justice system. Make your voice heard & get involved with TLR today!
Get Involved - Texans for Lawsuit Reform
Texans for Lawsuit Reform has thousands of supporters from across Texas who are committed to a fair and balanced civil justice system.
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