Coalition Updates: Business

Pennsylvania families are paying more for groceries, health care and other necessities. One often-overlooked contributor is the growth of “nuclear verdicts”—exceptionally large civil damage awards that increase insurance and operating costs. In a recent interview with Bill Gillmeister of End the Lawsuit Tax, PCCJR Executive Director Curt Schroder explained that these costs ultimately reach consumers and taxpayers.…

An overview of the Commonwealth’s medical malpractice law delves into how recent changes are driving an increase in nuclear verdicts as well as expanding liability throughout the state. The piece, written by Marshall Dennehey shareholders John J. Hare and Holli K. Archer also take a look at the role lawyer advertising is having on the litigation economy…

For years, the Pennsylvania Coalition for Civil Justice Reform (PCCJR) has warned that expanding liability and increasing jury awards make Pennsylvania less affordable. A major academic study by researchers from Georgia State University and Brighthouse Financial provides new evidence that social inflation—the rising cost of litigation beyond normal inflation—is real and measurable. The researchers analyzed more than…

A recent opinion column by PCCJR Executive Director Curt Schroder details the hidden inflation costs Pennsylvania’s excessive, plaintiff-friendly legal environment is having on taxpayers. As noted in the above article, a recent report from the Georgia State University and Brighthouse Financial shows that lawsuit costs – driven by rapidly growing jury verdicts – are increasing faster than…

The newest investment craze gaining popularity across the country is one that is operating largely in secret and targeting the civil justice system – raising costs in the process. The process, known as third-party litigation funding (TPLF), is allowing private investors to use civil lawsuits as their own profitable investment strategy. A recent opinion piece highlights the…

Costs across the Commonwealth continue to rise – from an increase in grocery expenses to higher energy bills and rising health care fees – Pennsylvanians are feeling the pinch. While talking heads point to a bevy of reasons for the higher cost of living, one item that rarely garners much attention is the negative financial…