A note to supporters

Texas Inching out of Infamy as Relentless Personal Injury Lawyers Try to Roll Back Reforms

A Note to Supporters:

A recent survey from the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform shows that the Texas legal climate ranks 36th in the nation – up five places since 2008. Despite the fact that Texas is inching out of civil justice infamy, we’re still near the bottom nationally and personal injury lawyers’ relentless efforts to roll back reforms only slow progress.

Ten years ago Texas ranked among the worst 10 states in the nation to do business but common sense legal reforms have led to a steady improvement in our legal climate. Along the way, a dedicated faction of personal injury lawyers has continually tried to undo reforms and return Texas to the days when out-of-control lawsuits ruled the day.

During the last legislative session, we saw no less than 900 proposals that would have undermined reform or created new ways to sue. During the legislative interim, personal injury lawyers are once again pushing a proposal to allow plaintiffs to sue for expenses that were never even incurred. A dedicated faction of anti-reformers is also working to eliminate arbitration as a legal option in Texas. Arbitration has allowed consumers and businesses of all sizes to resolve disputes without the cost of going to trial. It’s no surprise that some personal injury lawyers would want to eliminate arbitration since this option reduces legal expenses – and therefore reduces lawyers’ paychecks.

Texas has proven that civil justice reform works. We’ve seen expanded access to health care since the passage of medical liability reforms. We’ve seen job creation and tremendous economic growth thanks to improvements in our legal climate. Clearly, we have a lot more work to do. But Texas can only continue to rise in the national rankings if we remain vigilant and constantly fend off efforts to undo reforms and turn back the clock.

Thank you for your continued support to help us fight lawsuit abuse!

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