What happened: A new survey from APCIA and Munich Re US revealed consumer perceptions of certain legal tactics used in civil litigation. The survey, conducted online by The Harris Poll among more than 2,000 US adults, examined views on lawyer advertising and high jury awards, among other topics.
By the numbers:
- 67% supported restrictions on lawyer advertising to prevent excessive lawsuits.
- 68% agreed that high-value jury awards create expectations of large payouts.
- 68% indicated that nuclear verdicts would likely drive up insurance costs.
In his own words: “Reforms are needed to reduce consumer costs and improve insurance availability and affordability. The majority of Americans agree that these tactics are driving up insurance costs. We need state and federal policymakers to address legal system abuse to restore fairness and predictability of justice in the United States”—Stef Zielezienski, executive vice president and chief legal officer of APCIA
TLR Thoughts: Abusive litigation tactics are increasing the cost and availability of insurance for all Texans, and for all Americans. State and federal reforms are critical to restoring transparency, fairness and predictability in the United States legal system.
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