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.

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For the Record

Friend of the Court

If you’ve been around the world of TLR for a while, you likely know by now that we are constantly studying how the lawsuit reforms that Texas has passed over the last 25 years are affecting our legal system, and in turn, the lives of Texans.

We speak regularly with attorneys and judges who work with these laws every day. Sometimes the legislation is applied in ways that were never intended by lawmakers. When this happens, as was the case this session with the SLAPP law, we work with stakeholders to find a legislative solution that clarifies the legislation and addresses the misuse of the law.

Other times, the reforms Texas passes are challenged in the course of litigation. When that happens, we stand ready to provide context and vigorously defend the intent and application of the legislation through amicus briefs.

Amicus curiae is Latin and literally translates to “friend of the court.” These briefs are provided by people who are not party to a lawsuit, but have an interest in its outcome. 

TLR has submitted many amicus briefs over the years, including in a lawsuit filed by storm-chasing lawyer Eric Dick after Hurricane Harvey. This cookie cutter lawsuit was filed 30 days after Hurricane Harvey made landfall, alleging the insurance company failed to pay the policyholder’s claim on time. Since September 2017, Dick has filed about 40 other such lawsuits against 30 insurance companies. 

As the brief notes, “the face of the Plaintiff’s pleading in this case shows that the date of loss was exactly 30 days before the date the lawsuit was filed… The defendant insurance company could not have violated the Texas Insurance Code’s prompt payment of claims statute in that amount of time, given that the statute gives the insurance company several weeks to acknowledge, investigate, and pay a claim before a statutory violation occurs.”

Additionally, the brief notes that House Bill 1774, which the Legislature passed in 2017 to shut down lawsuit abuses by storm-chasing lawyers, was designed specifically to address cases like this.

“…the new law (HB 1774) is designed to protect individuals from storm-chasing attorneys who seek to profit from their misfortune while, at the same time, leaving policyholders with substantial remedies against insurance companies that fail to pay claims on time and in full.”

Earlier this month, the Harris County trial court entered a judgment against Dick’s client in the case, finding that Dick had failed to show that the property damage he attributed to the storm was covered by the insurance policy.

Amicus briefs are just one way TLR fights to preserve the hard-won lawsuit reforms passed by the Texas Legislature. With strong legislative advocacy and public education, we are keeping up the fight to keep Texas as the national example of successful, common-sense lawsuit reforms.

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Texans for Lawsuit Reform

10 hours ago

Texans for Lawsuit Reform

Texas is less safe, less prepared and less resilient in recovery without commercial vehicles. Stopping abusive lawsuits against them will make or break our ability to handle the next natural disaster our state faces. Read and share the latest TLR blog: bit.ly/301JNQl ... See MoreSee Less

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Disaster Preparedness, Response, Recovery

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The pandemic and recent winter storms have highlighted a stark reality: Commercial vehicles are essential for disaster preparedness, response and recovery. Whether they’re carrying life-saving medic...
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Texans for Lawsuit Reform

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Texans for Lawsuit Reform

Happy Texas Independence Day! ... See MoreSee Less

Happy Texas Independence Day!
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Texans for Lawsuit Reform

1 day ago

Texans for Lawsuit Reform

Abusive lawsuits against commercial vehicles are hurting Texas jobs and businesses. Your lawmakers in the Texas Legislature need to hear from you. Ask them to support Senate Bill 17, Senate Bill 207, House Bill 19, and House Bill 1617. Take action: ow.ly/SDaD50DNgSb ... See MoreSee Less

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Write your Texas Lawmakers – Keep Texas Trucking Coalition

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Abusive lawsuits against commercial vehicles are hurting Texas jobs and businesses. Your representatives in the Texas Legislature need to hear from you. Ask them to support Senate Bill 17, Senate Bill...
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lawsuitreform avatarTLR@lawsuitreform·
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TLR has thousands of supporters across Texas who are committed to a fair and balanced civil justice system. Join our team today!

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

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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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Texas is less safe, less prepared & less resilient in recovery without commercial vehicles. Stopping abusive lawsuits against them will make or break our ability to handle the next natural disaster Texas faces. Read & RT the latest TLR blog: #tortreform

Disaster Preparedness, Response, Recovery

The pandemic and recent winter storms have highlighted a stark reality: Commercial vehicles are essential for disaster preparedness, response and reco...

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Texans for Lawsuit Reform
1701 Brun Street
Houston, Texas 77019

Ph. 713-963-9363
  • About TLR
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