With 47 of the state's 105 House seats up for grabs in October, Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch sees the upcoming elections as an opportunity for meaningful reform.
“The fall elections represent a critical opportunity for Louisiana to get it right,” Lana Venable, LLAW's executive director, told Louisiana Record. "The status quo has got to change in order for meaningful reforms to be enacted. Voters must elect leaders who understand the real costs of lawsuit abuse to our state and its citizens."
According to Venable, Louisiana’s status as one of the most litigious states in the country has also made it one of the worst states in which to do business. These statistics are further harmed by the way that laws are designed, Venable said, and those who are left to foot the high bills that come about from a lack of reform.
“When laws are designed to benefit the trial bar vs. taxpayers and business owners, the system is broken. There is clearly a problem when every other advertisement promises quick cash for a legal settlement versus sustainable job opportunities,” Venable said. “None of this is lost on hardworking taxpayers who are tired of paying the second-highest auto insurance rates in the country and having other costs trickle down in the form of higher prices for many goods and services.”
Venable hopes the many frustrated Louisianans will cast votes for change.
“While LLAW does not endorse candidates for office, public education and grassroots advocacy addressing the costs and consequences of lawsuit abuse are key to our mission,” Venable said. "We urge voters to make informed decisions and consider those candidates who support initiatives for common sense civil justice reform."