tort reform News Updates

Government, Business, Safety

Werner’s 2018 Appeal of $89.7M Jury Verdict Still Awaiting Decision

An appeal of one of the largest accident verdicts in history against a motor carrier has been languishing for nearly three years in a Texas appellate court while justices who heard the arguments retired before a decision.

July 15, 2021
Government, Business, Safety

Trucking Notches Wins in Lawsuit Abuse Legislation

As legislators in many states close out their sessions and head home, trucking association leaders are reporting noteworthy progress this year in attacking state laws they say too often enable plaintiff attorneys to seek inflated jury verdicts in truck-involved accident litigation.

June 2, 2021
Government, Business, Safety

Plaintiff Attorneys Often Use 'Reptile Theory' to Win Nuclear Trucking Jury Verdicts, Experts Say

In trucking accident lawsuits, the "reptile theory" is a method plaintiff lawyers have deployed in pursuit of so-called “nuclear” jury verdicts.

January 19, 2021
Government, Business, Safety

Trucking Targets 'Nuclear' Verdicts

The trucking industry is making gains in its fight against the plaintiffs bar and the increasing size of jury verdicts levied against motor carriers, but those in the trenches say the battle is not over.

September 16, 2020
Government, Business, Safety, Breaking News

Southeastern Motor Freight Files RICO Lawsuit in La. Staged Accidents Case

A New Orleans motor carrier has filed a federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act civil lawsuit against a New Orleans attorney and two convicted participants in a pair of staged accidents with tractor-trailers in 2017.

September 1, 2020
Government, Business, Safety

Ringleader Pleads Guilty in Connection With Staged La. Accidents

The ringleader of a New Orleans-area group that staged accidents with unsuspecting tractor-trailer drivers has pleaded guilty for his role in the conspiracy.

August 7, 2020
Government, Business, Safety

Louisiana Passes Legislation Aimed at Significant Tort Reform

Louisiana lawmakers have passed legislation aimed at helping the state’s truckers fight off excessive jury verdicts in court.

July 2, 2020
Government, Business, Safety

Nation’s Courts Feeling Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the nation’s court systems, and for trucking, legal experts believe it could have a long-term effect on how juries view cases involving motor carriers.

May 21, 2020