The U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced that Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has introduced a tort reform package aimed at addressing excessive litigation to protect local businesses and consumers. The announcement was made on the social media platform X on March 12.
According to AP News, Governor Kemp's proposed tort reform bill, which seeks to limit lawsuits and large jury verdicts, has progressed toward a House vote despite facing opposition. The bill requires plaintiffs to demonstrate that a property owner was aware of specific security risks and failed to address them in order to sue for injuries or misconduct on their property.
The Institute for Legal Reform reports that in 2022, the costs and compensation associated with the U.S. tort system reached over $529 billion, equating to 2.1% of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and over $4,200 per household. These costs have been increasing at an average annual rate of 7.1% between 2016 and 2022, outpacing inflation.
As per the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA), in 2023, trial lawyers in Nevada spent over $137.2 million on more than 1.6 million local legal services advertisements, with personal injury firms leading this sector. Additionally, top plaintiffs' firms have contributed over $4.56 million to political campaigns since 2017, often supporting judicial candidates who align with their interests.
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