States Acting to Curb Nuclear Verdicts Across US
What happened: Lawsuit abuse costs American households over $4,000 annually. State lawmakers across the country are taking stronger action to fix the problems. Read more
Remind me: In 2022, the U.S. tort system cost $529 billion, averaging $4,207 per household.
- Without reform, overall tort costs could surpass $900 billion by 2030.
Tell me more: Several states have enacted laws targeting predatory litigation practices.
- The Wisconsin legislature passed a bill capping noneconomic damages in commercial motor vehicle lawsuits at $1 million, but the Governor vetoed it.
- Florida outlawed inflated medical bills at trial and reduced the statute of limitations for filing lawsuits.
- Montana now requires third-party litigation financiers to register and disclose their terms.
TLR Thoughts: Fueled by deceptive litigation tactics and third-party litigation financing, lawsuit abuse is harming businesses, consumers and the economy. TLR is committed to pushing for reforms in Texas to stop abusive tactics and ensure fairness in our legal system. By tackling predatory practices, we can create a stronger, more just environment for all Texans.
NY Ends a Plastic Pollution Case While a Kansas County Begins One
What happened: New York courts dismissed a plastic pollution lawsuit against PepsiCo, while Ford County, Kansas, filed one against petrochemical companies over misleading recycling claims. Read more
Tell me more: New York’s ruling stresses that plastic waste issues require legislative action, not judicial.
- Ford County’s lawsuit claims petrochemical companies misled the public about plastic recycling.
- Both lawsuits asserted a public nuisance claim.
Worth noting: The New York ruling sets a precedent that may limit future public nuisance lawsuits, while Ford County’s case highlights the fact that any city or county having a pro-lawsuit government can pursue a public nuisance action.
- Ford County’s action is the first county-level lawsuit of its kind, following California’s similar state-level action.
TLR Thoughts: As we have said many times before, public nuisance lawsuits are an attempt to circumvent state legislatures and regulate societal conduct through litigation. New York courts got it right, while the Ford County lawsuit demonstrates the breadth of the problem. Texas lawmakers have an opportunity to prevent similar nuisance claims from gaining traction in the state, ensuring that public policy is set by the legislature, not by county governments through lawyer-driven lawsuits.