Reform

Tort Reform and Contingency-Fee Arrangements: A Growing Concern for State Lawmakers

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Seattle, Washington – As state lawmakers continue to grapple with the issue of tort reform, the detrimental effects of frivolous lawsuits and contingency-fee arrangements have come into the spotlight. Studies consistently show that such litigation hampers economic growth, reduces job opportunities, and burdens taxpayers. In 2021, over 60 percent of all tort cases in the United States were part of pending multidistrict litigation (MDL) cases, which further strains the legal system and delays justice for deserving plaintiffs. One significant factor contributing to the prevalence of mass tort cases is the use of contingency-fee arrangements by … Read more

Holding the Third-Party Litigation Financing Industry Accountable: AdvaMed Urges Congressional Reform to Protect Patients and Innovation

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Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House Oversight Committee held a hearing on September 13, 2023, to address the concerns surrounding third-party litigation financing. AdvaMed and its members have expressed significant worries about the impact of these financing practices. They argue that third-party speculators, along with the attorneys they fund, are taking advantage of the mass tort litigation system, prioritizing their own financial gain over the well-being of patients, medical device manufacturers, and the general public. By investing substantial amounts into advertising campaigns, these attorneys and financial backers can generate a large number of cases, many … Read more

Lawsuit Against Mar-Jac Plant Seeks Justice and Reform, Says Pérez Family Attorney

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LOUISVILLE, Kentucky – The Pérez family has filed a lawsuit against Mar-Jac Poultry Inc., alleging dangerous working conditions at the poultry processing plant. The family’s attorney, Ashley Edwards, hopes that the lawsuit will bring about significant changes in the plant’s operations and prioritize the safety of its employees. The lawsuit claims that the Pérez family’s loved one, José Pérez, suffered a traumatic brain injury while working at the Mar-Jac plant. It alleges that the company failed to provide a safe work environment and neglected to implement proper safety protocols. The family believes that the incident … Read more

New Jersey Liquor License Reform Fails to Fulfill Commercial Real Estate Advocates’ Expectations

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Trenton, New Jersey – New Jersey’s liquor license laws, known for being restrictive and expensive, underwent significant changes this week. Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation that increases the number of available liquor licenses statewide and allows for new licenses in municipalities with large malls. This move injects nearly 1,500 licenses into the market, marking the first major reform since the Prohibition era. Despite this change, some groups, including the state’s largest commercial real estate trade organization, argue that the new legislation falls short of what is needed to spur development. Craft breweries and distilleries have … Read more