Washington, D.C. — Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT), a national organization dedicated to standing up for plaintiffs, victims, and consumers to ensure that they can access a fair and transparent legal system, today released a new episode of its “Consumer Talk” video series — a recurring video series explaining the realities of America’s civil justice system.
Consumer Talk Episode Six, “Potholes, Parks, and Lawsuit Abuse,” discusses the problems faced by cities across the country that are forced to divert hundreds of millions, sometimes billions, of dollars to cover legal settlements tied to excessive and often questionable lawsuits. These liability payouts often result in cuts to city services and higher costs for all.
In Los Angeles alone, the city budgeted $87 million for settlements but ended up paying $287 million in a single year, leaving a $200 million gap that could have gone toward fixing roads, maintaining parks, and supporting essential services. New York City’s costs are even more staggering, with $2 billion paid out in one year, while cities like Chicago, San Diego, and communities across Pennsylvania are being forced to cut back on libraries, recreation centers, and playground access.
As liability costs continue to skyrocket, local leaders and industry experts warn the system is becoming unsustainable. Rising insurance premiums and massive payouts are straining city budgets and forcing difficult tradeoffs that directly impact residents. The result is a growing pattern: fewer services, deteriorating infrastructure, and communities left footing the bill, all while billboard lawyers profit. Ultimately, every dollar spent on excessive litigation is a dollar taken away from the services families rely on every day.
“Across the country, we’re seeing the same troubling pattern – taxpayer dollars that should be going to fix roads, keep parks open, and support local services are instead being drained by excessive lawsuit payouts,” said Lauren Zelt, Executive Director of Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT). “This isn’t just a legal issue, it’s a quality-of-life issue for families. When lawsuit abuse drives up costs, communities pay the price.”
“Potholes, Parks and Lawsuit Abuse” is available to watch here.
Earlier episodes of PACT’s Consumer Talk series can be found on our YouTube channel, available to watch here.
PACT’s “Consumer Talk” series builds upon the organization’s Explainer Video, a 5-minute summary of the shocking truth behind billboard attorneys. The Explainer Video has been viewed over 5.6 million times digitally and is available to watch here.
To learn more about PACT or to arrange an interview, please contact Executive Director Lauren Zelt: [email protected].
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