The American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) has announced its call for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to veto House Bill 6017. The organization warns that the bill could reverse recent civil justice reforms and risk returning the state to a "Judicial Hellhole" status, as said in a press release.
According to ATRA, Florida made significant progress in 2023 by improving its civil justice system, which led to the state's removal from ATRA’s annual Judicial Hellholes report. These reforms were championed by Governor DeSantis and the legislature with the aim of restoring balance and fairness to the state's legal environment. ATRA contends that House Bill 6017 threatens this progress by expanding the scope of damages in wrongful death medical negligence cases, potentially inviting a surge in litigation.
House Bill 6017 seeks to amend Florida's Wrongful Death Act by removing provisions that currently prevent adult children and the parents of adult children from recovering noneconomic damages in medical negligence cases. Specifically, it would allow these individuals to claim compensation for intangible losses such as pain and suffering, which were previously restricted under state law. ATRA argues that this expansion could lead to increased lawsuit volume and higher verdict amounts, thereby impacting the state's legal and economic landscape.
ATRA warns that enacting H.B. 6017 could result in higher medical malpractice insurance costs and increased healthcare expenses for Floridians. The organization suggests that a rise in lawsuits may strain the healthcare system, potentially leading to reduced access to care. It emphasizes that maintaining the current legal framework is essential for preserving gains achieved through recent civil justice reforms.
The American Tort Reform Association was established in 1986 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to reforming the civil justice system. According to its official website, ATRA's mission is to promote fairness, predictability, and efficiency in the legal system through legislative and judicial advocacy. The organization is widely recognized for its annual Judicial Hellholes report, which identifies jurisdictions with problematic legal climates.