NFIB State Director Dawn Starns released the following statement today on House Bill 57, crucial tort reform legislation sponsored by House Speaker Clay Schexnayder which is scheduled for a vote today on the House floor.
“Governor Edwards vetoed a crucial tort reform bill during the regular session, but we’re not giving up. House Bill 57 would protect small business owners from frivolous lawsuits by lowering the threshold for jury trials and wiping out “phantom damages” — payouts based on medical bills rather than the actual cost of care, which are usually a lot lower.
“The cost of defending itself against just one frivolous lawsuit could be enough to drive a small business out of business, even if the small business wins at trial or the case is eventually thrown out of court. That’s why our members are urging their legislators to vote ‘yes’ today on House Bill 57.”
