AUSTIN – A self-proclaimed consumer protection group has launched an all out offensive on SB 1189 – a bill aimed at bringing accountability and transparency to lawyer ads trolling for prescription medication users.
AUSTIN – Every year, Texans at home watching TV are inundated with tens of thousands of lawyer advertisements, many of which “deceptively” warn viewers that the medication they’re taking could be dangerous.
If you enjoy watching commercials for legal services, Texas is the place to be. Over a six-month period last year, TV viewers in our three largest media markets got to watch nearly 200,000 of these ads.
AUSTIN – The Texas Legislature is currently considering a bill that, if enacted, would require disclosure of third-party litigation funding in all civil actions.
Over the past several years, there has been a dramatic increase in litigation brought by local governments across Texas utilizing outside lawyers hired on a contingent-fee basis. Much of this litigation has been driven by law firms that have engaged in aggressive marketing efforts, enticing local officials with the prospect of a financial windfall at no risk to them. The nature of these lawsuits varies widely, but includes numerous lawsuits against pharmaceutical manufacturers, automobile manufacturers, construction companies, and other businesses.
Back in the 1990s, our state legislature revised the rules regarding government agencies hiring outside lawyers. That was after the conviction of former Texas Attorney General Dan Morales for illegally attempting to divert $500 million in tobacco-litigation contingency fees to a friend.
AUSTIN – There’s a growing trend in Texas – attorneys recruiting local governments to pursue litigation, one expert recently told members of the Texas House of Representatives.
If justice delayed is justice denied, why would anyone seek to delay the administration of justice or oppose efforts to speed up the process and make it quicker?
AUSTIN – A pair of bills recently introduced in the Texas Legislature seek to cut the costs of civil litigation, expediting the process by reducing discovery time and restricting continuances.
It’s unfortunate that some individuals are continuing to take advantage and profit off of others when they are most vulnerable— following an accident or a weather-related event. Barratry, commonly referred to as “ambulance chasing,” has been illegal for years. And even with new threats of harsher penalties, this practice still exists.
HOUSTON – A video has recently surfaced of a Texas law firm boasting about involving a state representative in litigation against the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association.
DALLAS – The Fifth Court of Appeals has referred John Lin McCraw, a past Texas Trial Lawyers Association president, to the State Bar of Texas for possible disciplinary action after attacking the integrity of two justices over campaign contributions.
AUSTIN — When it comes to protecting Texas’ courts from frivolous lawsuits, “It Starts With You.” That’s the message that Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse groups are delivering as they kick off Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week, which runs Oct. 1-5.
“You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.”
You don’t hear that aphorism much anymore, but it’s still true, even if it isn’t really about flies. No, it’s about hospitality and kindness. The point is that you’ll be more successful in life if you’re friendly rather than hostile.
Of course, you catch flies to get rid of them, but other things you catch to keep – like doctors, for instance.
AUSTIN — As Texas marks the 15th anniversary of voter approval of a landmark medical liability reform, the state continues to see dramatic improvement in access to health care.
HOUSTON - One year has passed since the enactment of House Bill 1774, a piece of legislation designed to curb storm lawsuit abuse – and one tort reform group recently released data showing it has done just that.
