Lauren Zelt, Executive Director of Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT), said that the strong public support for tort reform is due to the impact of lawsuit abuse, which she claims is weakening Texas' economy and costing families $4,600 annually.
"Lawsuit abuse threatens the strong Texas economy for hardworking Texans, costing the average family $4600 a year," said Zelt. "Lawmakers in Austin have a clear opportunity to stand up for Texas consumers and enact legislation to ensure a more transparent system that treats plaintiffs with the respect they deserve."
A recent poll released by PACT indicates significant voter support in Texas for reforming lawsuit abuse. According to the survey conducted by GS Strategy Group, 79% of voters agree that such reform is crucial for maintaining the state's economic growth. The poll also found that 80% of Texans report an increase in their cost of living, with 67% attributing this rise to lawsuit abuse. Zelt emphasized that lawsuit abuse costs the average Texas household $4,600 each year and urged lawmakers to take action. Voters expressed strong support for specific reforms, including medical cost transparency (86%), fee caps (74%), and stricter regulations on billboard attorneys (71%).
A study from the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform revealed that Texas ranks among the top five states for nuclear verdicts, with 130 personal injury and wrongful death cases resulting in $16 billion in awards from 2013 to 2022. The study highlighted "anchoring" tactics—where attorneys suggest arbitrary high-dollar damage amounts—as a major factor in inflating jury awards. One case involved a $39 million verdict in an auto accident after a plaintiff's lawyer proposed a symbolic per-mile damage figure; however, the Texas Supreme Court later overturned it due to improper tactics. These excessive awards are said to contribute to higher insurance premiums and consumer costs while undermining fairness in the legal system.
According to a new report from the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA), Texas has become a major hub for legal services advertising. Dallas and Houston rank among the top ten U.S. media markets for total spending on these ads in 2024. Dallas saw approximately $69.8 million spent on 622,212 ads, while Houston accounted for over $56.6 million spent on more than 411,000 ads. These figures reflect a broader national surge in trial lawyer advertising, which reached $2.5 billion across the U.S. last year—more than double what pizza restaurants spent.
The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) and Munich Re US released a survey showing that most Americans believe certain plaintiff lawyer tactics contribute to rising insurance and consumer goods costs. The Harris Poll conducted among over 2,000 U.S. adults found that 69% think third-party litigation funding (TPLF) and jury anchoring increase insurance costs, while 66% say these practices raise prices of everyday items. Additionally, 77% agree that allowing foreign investors to participate in TPLF could pose a national security threat.
Lauren A. Zelt is a public affairs strategist with over 15 years of experience in media, politics, and communications. She previously led her own public relations firm and has served in senior communications roles on Capitol Hill and presidential campaigns.