In a recent article published by The Greater Baton Rouge Business Report, Stephanie Riegel brings to light factors that have made Louisiana rife with litigation and calls to action for increased reforms.
According to Riegel, "In 2017, not for the first time, the American Tort Reform Association tagged Louisiana with the dubious distinction of being a 'judicial hellhole' — the 8th worst in the nation."
The rating and costs to individuals, families and businesses in Louisiana home have increased interest in changes that need to take place in litigation.
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Marie Centanni, director of public affairs with the Louisiana Free Enterprise Institute, told Louisiana Record that "Louisiana's judicial system, and the legal structure that has allowed for our almost predatory litigious environment, is stifling business activity and opportunity — particularly for small businesses and families hit hardest by rising costs."
Riegel's article explains that the litigious climate costs the state, with 15,500 jobs lost a year and the financial toll topping $1 billion.
"The consequence of that 'quick check' is passed on to all of us, most notably in the form of higher auto insurance rates," Centanni said, speaking of tort litigations in which individuals claim personal injury for sometimes minor personal damages.
According to Centanni, bringing about reform is necessary, and the residents of Louisiana are starting to notice the need.
"This environment, this legal structure can be changed to allow true due process, and the public demand for action is growing," Centanni said.