DeSantis, legislative leaders back lawsuit limits
By
The News Service of
Targeting what Gov.
"If somebody is harmed, you go, you should be able to get compensated," DeSantis said during an appearance in
Detailed bills had not been filed as of Tuesday afternoon, but an outline from DeSantis' office indicated the proposals will include some changes that business, insurance and health-care groups have long wanted. Lawmakers are expected to take up the issues during the annual legislative session, which will start
As an example, the outline from DeSantis' office included eliminating what are known as "one-way attorney fees" across all lines of insurance. One-way attorney fees require insurers to pay the attorney fees of plaintiffs who successfully file lawsuits.
Lawmakers during a December special session eliminated one-way attorney fees to try to help financially struggling property insurers. But insurance lobbyists also have been calling for eliminating one-way fees in cases involving such things as auto-accident claims.
"We're just going to take what we did in December and we're going to apply it to all insurance issues, all litigation in
Major business groups quickly backed the announcement by DeSantis and the legislative leaders, with
"
Making the changes, however, would likely spur heavy debate. Plaintiffs' attorneys and many Democratic lawmakers argue that trying to limit lawsuits and legal fees will unfairly affect injured people.
"Justice is the only thing preventing the insurance industry from taking over our state, limiting our freedom and irreparably decimating the rights of our neighbors, family and friends," Pajcic said. "The FJA (
Debates about limiting lawsuits, an issue known by the shorthand term of tort reform, flare every year. But business groups see an opportunity this year because of backing from DeSantis, Passidomo and Renner, R-
During the event in
"We're going to bring things back into balance so the ball is going down the middle of the fairway for everybody," Renner said.
In addition to eliminating one-way attorney fees, the outline from DeSantis' office indicated the package will include:
— Eliminating attorney fee "multipliers," which in certain cases can add to the amounts awarded in fees paid to plaintiffs' lawyers.
— Making changes to "bad faith" laws. Generally, bad-faith lawsuits allege that insurers did not properly settle claims and can be costly if insurance companies lose.
— Addressing damages when defendants are only partially at fault.
— Making changes related to information provided about such things as health-care reimbursement costs in medical-malpractice cases.
House panel supports legislation on Florida renter fees
Florida Insurance Reforms: Long-term relief on horizon; near-term headwinds remain
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News