Attorney Steven Lefkoff said that Governor Brian Kemp will enact tort reform, arguing that injury attorneys have lost their messaging. He cited "taking 40% from injured people, advertising astronomical verdicts to show how good you are, and having 75% of all billboards" as ineffective methods for gaining trust. Lefkoff made this statement in a post on X on February 16.
"Attorneys have lost their messaging," said Lefkoff. "Taking 40% from injured people, advertising astronomical verdicts to show how good you are, and having 75% of all billboards are terrible ways to gain trust."
Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT) released a poll indicating that 72% of Georgia voters believe lawsuit abuse contributes to rising costs of goods and services. This sentiment is shared across party lines with Republicans at 88%, Independents at 64%, and Democrats at 62%. The survey, conducted by Public Opinion Strategies from February 2-5, 2025, also revealed that 85% of voters consider it important for the Legislature to address lawsuit abuse to eliminate hidden taxes on consumers. Furthermore, 82% of those who have used personal injury lawyers support reforms to the current system.
Lefkoff's Feb 16 statement on X.
| X.com
A study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform found that rising tort costs in Georgia are imposing an increasing financial burden on households, affecting insurance premiums and the overall cost of living. In 2022, Georgia's tort costs reached nearly $20 billion, averaging over $2,000 per household. These expenses arise from civil litigation, claim compensation, and administrative costs impacting both businesses and consumers.
According to InsuranceRateReporter.com, a survey by the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) and Munich Re US found that plaintiff lawyer tactics such as third-party litigation funding (TPLF) and jury anchoring contribute to rising insurance costs. The survey suggests these practices have an estimated $529 billion impact on the U.S. economy. It indicates that 69% of Americans believe these tactics increase insurance premiums while 86% support legal reforms to address them. However, many respondents remain unaware of these tactics; with 75% unfamiliar with jury anchoring and 70% not recognizing TPLF.
The APCIA and Munich Re US released another survey finding that most Americans believe certain plaintiff lawyer tactics contribute to rising insurance and consumer goods costs. Conducted by Harris Poll among over 2,000 U.S. adults, it revealed that 69% think TPLF and jury anchoring increase insurance costs while 66% believe these practices raise prices on everyday items. Additionally, 77% agree that allowing foreign investors to participate in TPLF could pose a national security threat.
Steven Lefkoff is the principal and founding attorney of Lefkoff Law, a full-service boutique firm representing businesses across Georgia. He specializes in motor vehicle industry cases, Georgia Fair Business Practices Act litigation, and small claims training.