Reform groups have long been cautioning against the woes that are high insurance rates in the state of Louisiana, which is one of the top 10 "judicial hellholes" in the nation.
According to an article by Robert Mills in ShreveportTimes.com, whether they realize it or not, Louisiana families are the ones who are paying for the overall lack of reform in the state, with the average price per family being about $4,000 per year.
Despite the attempts to bring down the costs of tort-related litigation, bills such as HB 372 that would have reduced premiums for drivers in the state, a group of state senators has protected the status quo. That obstruction is much to the disappointment of groups such as the Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch, which has been trying to bring meaningful reform to the state for years.
“Mr. Mills makes many valid points in his recent opinion piece,” LLAW Executive Director Lara Venable told Louisiana Record. “Among the most important to note are the hidden costs of lawsuit abuse, in the form an annual “tort tax” amounting to more than $4,000 for every Louisiana family, as well as the second-highest auto insurance rates in the country.”
Additional issues can be linked to trial lawyers who encourages individuals involved in even minor incidents to seek massive payouts for minimal damages.
“These numbers can only be bolstered by the overwhelming amount of trial lawyer advertising across the state,” Venable said. “Further, lawsuits attacking the oil and gas industry are not the answer to restoring the coast. Lawsuits are no replacement for real, sustainable economic development in every corner of the state.”
While the situation in the state may be disheartening, LLAW is hoping that residents in the state will begin to open their eyes to the reality of tort-based litigation and the need for reform.
“Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch encourages Louisiana voters to ensure civil justice reform is a priority issue in this fall’s elections,” Venable said. “Our electorate must demand a change in the status quo. Otherwise, we will all continue to pay the price.”