REPORT: Missouri’s Flawed Civil Justice System Continues to Result in Revenue and Job Loss

May 2, 2023

REPORT: Missouri's Flawed Civil Justice System Continues to Result in Revenue and Job Loss

According to a new report from the Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA), businesses in Missouri continue to experience revenue and job loss as a result of the state’s flawed civil justice system. The report found that excessive tort litigation costs Missourians more than $4 billion and nearly 58,000 in lost jobs every year. These findings underscore the need for meaningful tort reform. That’s why NFIB is supporting SB 117, which would give small business owners greater certainty by reducing the risk of frivolous litigation. SB 117 would shorten the window a plaintiff can file a lawsuit from five years to two years – bringing Missouri’s judicial system into closer step with neighboring states. The report shows lost jobs and revenue in Show Me State’s major metropolitan areas:

In Kansas City, lawsuit abuse costs residents more than $1.4 billion annually. Additionally, 20,418 jobs are lost per year.

In Springfield, residents are losing more than $235 million each year. Additionally, 3,380 jobs are lost per year.

In St. Louis, residents are losing more than $2.2 billion annually. Additionally, 32,249 jobs are lost in the region every year.

To make your voice heard in support of lawsuit reform, CLICK HERE.

Topics:

Uncategorized

State:

Missouri

Get to know NFIB

NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.

Learn More

Smiling woman with short blonde hair in a pink blazer and pearl earrings against a blue background.

April 22, 2026

COLUMN: Alabama Takes a Stand for Small Business Fairness

Action on swipe fees still needed at the federal level.

April 22, 2026

Supreme Court Permits Gamesmanship in Small Business Lawsuits

NFIB is disappointed by the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the case Enbridge v. Nessel, which concerns a defendant’s right to remove a case to federal court.