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

The Road Back to Business as Usual

“My torts professor taught us that uncertainty about the standard of care creates what he calls a ‘cliff problem’… When we know there’s a liability cliff—some line that will be catastrophic to step across—but we don’t know exactly where the edge of the cliff is, we will avoid the ground near the cliff altogether.”

That testimony, provided by Texas Christian University General Counsel Leroy Tyner to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, puts into clear focus the tremendously difficult decisions businesses across our state and nation are facing today.

While everyone looks forward to the day when we can resume business as usual, we all understand that given the nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, its side effects will linger for many years to come. But we also know that people must work. Businesses must operate. And they are increasingly being given the greenlight to do so by state and local governments.

TLR has been working with state and federal leaders to determine if there is a way to give businesses some reassurance that they are not blindly approaching a liability cliff. At the federal level, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has designated Senator John Cornyn as the lead on liability issues. McConnell has stated that the next relief package must include liability protections for those who act in good faith and follow recommended health and safety protocols.

TLR was pleased to host a webinar last week with Senator Cornyn and business leaders from a variety of industries across the state—including hospitality, restaurant, retail, medical and real estate—to discuss the liability issues they have faced during the pandemic and those they expect to face as the state begins reopening. The senator and his judiciary committee staff have made themselves available to interested parties who want to share their concerns and suggestions as the legislation is being shaped.

No one is advocating for blanket liability protections or for protections for those who act recklessly or are grossly negligent. But the uncertainty concerning future liability for those who follow government health and safety standards and reopen—or have been operating the entire time as essential services—is a serious impediment to opening our society and restoring our economy to full vigor.

In the absence of any statutory shields, some companies, like Walt Disney World, have begun requiring patrons to sign a waiver stating they understand the inherent risk of contracting COVID-19 while visiting their parks during the pandemic, and will not sue if sickened. 

As we begin to take steps toward reopening, one thing is for sure—we are treading new ground as a state and a nation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. TLR will continue to urge passage of common-sense liability protections that will help reignite our state’s economy and get Texans back to work safely.

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Texans for Lawsuit Reform

20 hours ago

Texans for Lawsuit Reform

In case you missed it: Specialized business courts like the Delaware Court of Chancery can be an important addition to a state’s economic foundation. These courts quickly and expertly handle complex business litigation, freeing up other courts to handle other types of cases. Read and share: bit.ly/3y7zwnI ... See MoreSee Less

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Making Business Our Business

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Much has been written about Elon Musk—eccentric billionaire, CEO of some of the most innovative companies in the world and… future owner of Twitter? While the nuances of this deal are daily fodder...
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Texans for Lawsuit Reform

2 days ago

Texans for Lawsuit Reform

The federal judge who supervises multidistrict opioid litigation had ordered a certain percentage of future opioid settlements to be set aside for plaintiffs’ lawyers who have similar cases outside the MDL, diverting more settlement money away from the victims. Read & share: bit.ly/3NqcDQP ... See MoreSee Less

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Multidistrict Opioid Litigation Continues to Enrich Plantiffs' Lawyers

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Multidistrict opioid litigation is once again being used to the advantage of plaintiffs’ lawyers. This very serious issue requires a victims-first approach, not a plaintiffs’-lawyer-payday-first a...
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Texans for Lawsuit Reform

3 days ago

Texans for Lawsuit Reform

A month passed before Harris County courts brought in 18-year-old Corey Hodges, who violated his bond conditions 37 times. Crime Stoppers’ Andy Kahan blames the initial judge's lack of enforcement on his first bond violation back in 2015. Read and share: bit.ly/3A6vLjC ... See MoreSee Less

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18-year-old charged with murder, aggravated assault violates bond conditions at least 37 times

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HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – 18-year-old Corey Hodge could be a poster guy for Breaking Bond. “This is clearly you are breaking your bond conditions,” said Andy Kahan with Crime Stoppers. On April 17,...
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lawsuitreform avatarTLR@lawsuitreform·
14h 1542991625462464513

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

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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Reply on Twitter 1542991625462464513Retweet on Twitter 1542991625462464513Like on Twitter 1542991625462464513Twitter 1542991625462464513
lawsuitreform avatarTLR@lawsuitreform·
20h 1542901497490456578

#ICYMI: Certain business courts like the Delaware Court of Chancery can be an important addition to a state’s economic foundation. These courts quickly & expertly handle complex business litigation freeing up other courts to handle other cases. Read & RT:

Making Business Our Business

Much has been written about Elon Musk—eccentric billionaire, CEO of some of the most innovative companies in the world and… future owner of Twitte...

bit.ly

Reply on Twitter 1542901497490456578Retweet on Twitter 15429014974904565781Like on Twitter 1542901497490456578Twitter 1542901497490456578
lawsuitreform avatarTLR@lawsuitreform·
30 Jun 1542629262443905024

Fighting lawsuit abuse keeps our courts fair and our economy strong. 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 ...

bit.ly

Reply on Twitter 1542629262443905024Retweet on Twitter 1542629262443905024Like on Twitter 1542629262443905024Twitter 1542629262443905024

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
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  • Invite a TLR Speaker
  • Get Involved
  • Invite a TLR Speaker
  • Donate
  • Stay Informed
  • Contact TLR

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All rights reserved.
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