Florida - Stop Lawsuit Abuse!

December 17, 2008

WATCHDOG SAYS FLORIDIANS ARE FED UP WITH LAWSUIT ABUSE AS SOUTH FLORIDA COURTS AGAIN TOP LIST OF “JUDICIAL HELLHOLES”

South Florida Courts Labeled Number 2 Judicial Hellhole in the Nation

Boca Raton – Florida Stop Lawsuit Abuse (FSLA) is saying “Enough is Enough” following yesterday’s announcement by the American Tort Reform Foundation’s (ATRF) that South Florida is the second worst “Judicial Hellholes” in the country for 2008.

FSLA points to South Florida’s dubious title as a “Judicial Hellhole” as yet another example of Florida’s out-of-control civil justice system. South Florida — particularly Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and Broward counties — was identified as a “Judicial Hellhole” by ATRF for the fifth consecutive year. Last year, South Florida was named the number one “Judicial Hellhole.”

The annual report by ATRF identifies “Judicial Hellholes” areas across the country that have a disproportionately harmful impact on civil litigation. Personal injury lawyers seek out these places because they know that they will produce a positive outcome – an excessive verdict or settlement, or a favorable precedent.

ATRF’s report cited South Florida as having “a reputation for excessive awards, lenient class certification and abusive medical malpractice lawsuits.” As a result, out-of-state plaintiffs and personal injury lawyers frequently bring their cases to South Florida to improve their chances of winning big in what is now known as the “lawsuit lottery.”

“The systematic abuse of South Florida’s courts has serious ramifications for all Florida citizens,” said Carlos Muhletaler, executive director of FSLA. “In a time when Floridians are struggling through an economic downturn and health care crisis, abusive litigation is only making matters worse.”

A survey conducted by FSLA last year showed that lawsuit abuse is hurting Florida’s small business community, forcing them to raise prices and limiting their ability to expand. Lawsuit abuse has also been a major contributor to a serious and worsening doctor shortage in the state.

“Floridians have a real problem with personal injury lawyers and people who see lawsuits and our courts as a way to get rich,” said Muhletaler. “This greed and lawsuit-happy mentality hurts all of us. FSLA is taking the fight against lawsuit abuse to communities across Florida to ensure that every citizen’s voice is heard.”

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