NFIB says a proposed tort reform package would help relieve many of the issues affecting the state's small businesses
‘Judicial Hellholes’ Report Highlights Need for Reform in SC
COLUMBIA (Dec. 5) – NFIB State Director Ben Homeyer says the American Tort Reform Foundation’s latest Judicial Hellholes report highlights the need for legislative action to balance the scale of justice in South Carolina.
The organization ranked the state No. 5 on its annual list because of issues concerning ongoing asbestos litigation.
The report says, “The state is a hotspot for asbestos claims…. In the past three years, the state has cemented an unwelcome reputation for bias against corporate defendants, unwarranted sanctions, low evidentiary requirements, liability-expanding rulings, unfair trials, severe verdicts, a willingness to overturn or modify jury verdicts to benefit plaintiffs, and frequent appointment of a receiver to maximize recoveries from insurers.”
Homeyer said, “Small businesses are especially vulnerable when it comes to fending off frivolous legal claims. The cost of defending themselves against a single claim can be enough to put them out of business, even if the case is eventually thrown out of court.
“Our members will continue to urge their legislators to support S.533 when the General Assembly gavels into session next month. S.533 is comprehensive legislation that would help alleviate a lot of these problems,” Homeyer said. Click here read to the ATRF’s full report.
