Addressing legal reform has been top of mind for Governor Brian Kemp (R-GA), as he mentioned during his State of the State Address in January, and the latest poll from Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT) details this desire for change. "Tort" reform, as it has been referred to, has been a legislative priority during this session.
According to the Legal Information Institute, a tort is "an act or omission that gives rise to injury or harm to another and amounts to a civil wrong for which courts impose liability."
A tort is usually done outside of a legal contract as well.
Moreover, tort reform aims to limit the ability to file a lawsuit or cap the amount of damages that can be received.
Therefore, it is not surprising that according to the latest polling from PACT, 82% of Georgians who have used a personal injury lawyer "believe the system needs reform." Moreover, nearly three-quarters of voters say that lawsuit abuse increases the cost of living for Georgia families. This includes 88% of Republicans, 64% of independents, and 62% of Democrats.
The polling from PACT was conducted by Public Opinion Strategies. PACT released a statement regarding the figures that were shared.
“Governor Kemp and his proposed lawsuit reform bill both garner strong support among Georgia voters,” wrote Public Opinion Strategies in their polling memo to PACT. “There are concerns among voters related to the rising cost of living and 72% of Georgians believe lawsuit abuse contributes to the issue."
PACT continued, stating that not only do a majority of Georgians want reform across all political parties, but it's also supported amongst all demographics.
"There is not a single demographic group who opposes reform. Even those who have used personal injury lawyers back the reforms," said PACT. "Additionally, Georgians send a clear message that they want their legislators to side with working families over personal injury lawyers in order to drive down costs and protect Georgia consumers.”
Furthermore, the Executive Director of PACT, Lauren Zelt, provided a statement regarding the polling as well.
“The data is unmistakable: Georgians want to lower costs and put an end to frivolous lawsuits that drive up expenses for families and businesses,” said Lauren Zelt, Executive Director of PACT. “Now, lawmakers have a choice: stand with the status quo, which is crushing Georgians with higher prices, or pass reforms to reduce costs.”
This issue could be a slam dunk for Gov. Kemp.
Furthermore, here are some other highlights from the polling:
- Legislation that would reform the cost of lawsuits, settlements and related legal fees is supported by a greater than two-to-one margin.
- Among those who have used a personal injury lawyer, 87% believe it is important for the Legislature to stop lawsuit abuse and eliminate the hidden tax on consumers.
- Over eight-in-ten (82%) of those who have used a personal injury lawyer believe their State Legislator should vote to stop lawsuit abuse and eliminate the hidden tax.
- An overwhelming majority (85%) of voters believe it is important that the Legislature stops lawsuit abuse and eliminates the hidden tax on Georgia consumers.
