TortsProf Blog

2012 Judicial Hellholes

The American Tort Reform Association released its list of Judicial Hellholes for 2012-2013.  California has replaced Philly at the top spot on the list.  The rest of the top five include West Virginia, Madison County, IL, New York City and Albany, NY, and Baltimore, MD. 

- SBS

Calculate Your Flood Risk

So this topic is a little removed from tort law.  Liability insurance is intimately related, but this is first-party insurance.  Regardless, it's an interesting device.  Yesterday's NYT featured a website that allows homeowners to calculate their risk of flood losses and receive a flood insurance estimate.  You can type in your address and receive tailored data.  Of course, homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.

--CJR

Tort Reform Agenda in Virginia

Virginia Lawyers Weekly is reporting that the Virginia Chamber of Commerce has published its legislative wish list on tort reform.  Most of the hot-button issues are missing; for instance, there is no call for caps.  This may be explained by Virginia's relatively business friendly environment.  The Chamber would like summary judgment practice reform, nonsuit reform, and further limitations on venue.

--CJR

Consumers Sued More for Defamation

According to a recent ABA Journal story, on-line consumer reviews have become fodder for defamation suits against consumers.   

Thanks to Lisa Smith-Butler for the alert. 

- SBS