Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch says voters need to hold lawmakers accountable for failing to pass legislation that would lower the state's auto insurance rates - which are among the highest in the country.
The latest rejection was that of H.B. 372, which passed the House but stalled in the Senate.
“While it was disappointing that civil justice reforms aimed at lowering auto insurance rates failed during the recent session, it was not surprising. There is no doubt that civil justice reform is needed in Louisiana – what is missing is the will to make it happen,” Lana Venable, executive director of LLAW told Louisiana Record.
Venable said that while a number of factors contribute to the high insurance rates, but the state's obsession with litigation is the driving force.
“The bottom line is that Louisianans don’t have more accidents or file more property damage claims, but motorists do file nearly double the amount of bodily injury claims compared to the national average,” Venable said. “Not only are consumers impacted, but the multitude of businesses and industries that serve as the backbone of our economy are facing fewer and more expensive insurance options.”
Venable believes voters have the ultimate authority to bring about change.
“Louisiana voters must hold their elected officials accountable at the ballot box this fall. If no action is taken to address lawsuit abuse, the situation will only become worse,” Venable said. “Louisiana is not a wealthy state. Our citizens work hard to provide for their families and it’s time to have their voices heard over those of the entrenched trial bar.”