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.

Tell me more: Several states have enacted laws targeting predatory litigation practices.

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. 

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.

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.