A slap in the face at fairness

SB 1296 - the trial lawyers' 'Deep Pockets' bill - passed the House Judiciary Committee yesterday on a straight party line vote. According to this story, a full House floor vote is expected next week.

Here's ICJL's response:

"This bill is a slap in the face at fairness, it is a slap in the face of Illinois employers, and it is a slap in the face of common sense," said Ed Murnane, president of ICJL, who pointed out that, under SB 1296, a defendant could be held 100 percent liable in a lawsuit where he or she is only five percent at fault.

Added Murnane, "Fairness and common sense demand that people or institutions that cause injury and damage should be held accountable based on their degree of responsibility - not the deepness of their pocketbook."

Murnane noted that the legislation is opposed by a diverse coalition of groups, including many units of government, such as the City of Chicago, Illinois Municipal League, Illinois Association of Park Districts, the Park District Risk Management Association and the 77-member municipalities of the Illinois Risk Management Association.

"Cities, counties and other municipal bodies are considered 'deep pockets' because they can raise funds through taxation, and would be prime targets under this legislation," said Murnane.

Contact your legislators today to urge them to vote "No" on this disastrous bill.

Cross-posted at Illinois Justice Blog.