Personal Injury Law

Insurance Foxes Rank Henhouse Security

By Michael Jeffcoat, Esq.

The anti-justice U.S. Chamber of Commerce?s prestigious-sounding "Institute for Legal Reform" released its annual survey ranking state legal systems? fairness to corporations. South Carolina ranked 43rd. For once, a low ranking is good news for South Carolina?s citizens. You see, some years ago, the U.S. Chamber was taken over by the Big Business forces who want to make sure that those who harm others don't have to pay for that harm in court.

The ?study? is based solely on the subjective perceptions of Big Insurance's defense lawyers. No other participant in the legal system, such as plaintiff?s lawyers, judges, or law professors, were asked for their opinions. Overall, even defense lawyers had to give South Carolina a ?B? for its fairness to corporations.

John Haber, Chief Executive Officer of the American Association for Justice, responded to the so-called study. ?At best, the U.S. Chamber [of Commerce]?s legal climate ranking is shoddy, ill-advised research. At worst, it?s propaganda aimed at destroying the civil justice system for corporations that refuse to be held accountable for their negligence and misconduct. . . . . even U.S. Chamber?s own pollster has previously admitted there is no way to measure a state?s legal system. The U.S. Chamber?s goal is to make sure people can?t get justice in the courtroom. This junk study is just one way they try to dupe the masses into believing there?s a problem that doesn?t exist.?

Full post as published by Truck Accident Lawyer Blog on May 13, 2008 (boomark / email).