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

Keeping Tabs on the Tort Tax

As we head into the holidays—and particularly in today’s economy—every dollar counts.

Thankfully, gas prices have eased from their recent highs earlier this summer, but Texas families are still feeling the squeeze of inflation in everything from groceries to Christmas gifts.

But there’s one hidden cost that factors significantly into the price of goods and services that many Texans may not be aware of: the Tort Tax.

Our friends at the Institute for Legal Reform recently released a nationwide study analyzing the cost of America’s tort system—that is, how much litigation costs Americans through court costs, increased insurance premiums and lawsuit awards.

They found that in 2020 (the latest year for which data is available) the American tort system cost $443 billion—or 2.1 percent of national gross domestic product—and $3,621 per household. This is astounding when you consider that only 53 cents of every dollar go to plaintiffs, while the rest covers litigation costs and other expenses.

Unfortunately, the old saying that everything is bigger in Texas holds true here as well, with Texas families paying an extra $3,904 in costs associated with litigation—more than the national average. That’s up from $3,535 in 2018. This Tort Tax is often passed along to consumers in the form of higher prices for the goods we all want and need.

To put that in context, here are just a few things Texans could buy with an extra $3,904:

  • 976 breakfast tacos from Juan in a Million
  • 501 #1 Combos from Whataburger
  • 1,384 gallons of gas
  • Three months’ rent for an 881 square foot apartment in Houston
  • Two courtside seats to watch the Dallas Mavericks play the Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day
  • 542 half-gallons of Blue Bell Ice Cream
  • 423 six-packs of Shiner Bock

Texas has come a long way from the days of jackpot justice that gave us the reputation for being the Lawsuit Capital of the World in the 1980s. But it’s clear from this study that litigation costs still loom large and still have a significant impact on the lives—and pocketbooks—of every Texan.

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