Washington, D.C. – Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT), a national organization dedicated to standing up for plaintiffs, victims, and consumers and ensuring access to a fair and transparent legal system, issued the following statement regarding Governor Hochul signing lawsuit abuse reform legislation into law today: 

“Today’s budget signing marks an important step toward bringing down insurance costs for New Yorkers,” said Lauren Zelt, Executive Director of PACT. “States that have taken action to curb lawsuit abuse and combat fraud have seen stronger insurance markets and greater affordability for consumers. These reforms are welcome news for New York families, drivers, and small businesses feeling the strain of rising costs.”

For years, New Yorkers have faced rising insurance premiums and increasing costs tied to excessive litigation, fraudulent claims, and a legal environment that has driven up expenses across the economy. States that have enacted reforms to crack down on lawsuit abuse and fraud, like Florida and Georgia, have begun seeing meaningful results, including lower insurance rates and improved affordability for consumers.

PACT’s New York educational efforts included a television ad in April, a television ad in March, and a television ad in February. Earlier, PACT launched a billboard campaign in Albany. In January, PACT authored an op-ed in Newsday spotlighting Governor Kathy Hochul’s announcement to crack down on insurance fraud that drives up costs for New York families. PACT also released a digital ad, “The Highway Billboard Tax,” detailing how highway lawyer billboards contribute to higher prices statewide. Last year, PACT released a six-figure television ad campaign that highlighted rising auto insurance costs in the Empire State.  

PACT also released a one-pager titled “The Truth About New York’s Sky-High Lawsuit Economy,” outlining how fraud, staged accidents, frivolous lawsuits, and legal exploitation are driving up costs and making New York increasingly unaffordable. The one-pager is available to read here.

To learn more about PACT or to arrange an interview, please contact Executive Director Lauren Zelt: [email protected]. 

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