NFIB is urging members of the Senate Judiciary A Committee to support meaningful insurance reform aimed at curbing lawsuit abuse and lowering costs for small business owners.

“Small business owners are tired of being hit with lawsuits and paying high insurance premiums because the legal system too often favors trial lawyers looking for a big payout,” said NFIB State Director Leah Long. “It’s essential that the Senate pass reforms that bring fairness and transparency to the process.”

NFIB supports:

• HB 431 by Rep. Emily Chenevert would limit damage recovery if the plaintiff is found to be 51 percent or more at fault, aligning Louisiana with 38 other states that use a version of modified comparative fault.
• House Bill 434 by Rep. Jason DeWitt would apply a “no pay, no play” provision with a $100,000 cap.
• HB 450 by Rep. Michael Melerine would end the Housley Presumption, a rule that assumes an injury was caused by an accident without any proof. The bill would instead require the injured person to prove that the accident caused their injuries.
• SB 231 by Sen. Mike Reese changes how much money someone can recover in a lawsuit for past medical expenses.

“These reforms are critical to restoring balance in the legal system,” Long said. “Lawsuit abuse has driven up the cost of insurance and made it harder for many small businesses to grow, create jobs, and support their communities. We urge the committee to act now and give small businesses the fair treatment they deserve.”