Latest installment highlights the hidden cost of lawsuit abuse on small businesses and local communities
Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT), a national advocacy and educational organization dedicated to standing up for plaintiffs, victims, and consumers to ensure they can access a fair and transparent legal process, today released the fourth installment of its “Billboard Lawyers Ruin Everything” video series, this time examining how lawsuit abuse is driving up costs for restaurants, bars, and other hospitality businesses across the country.
The new video, “Billboard Lawyers Ruin Nightlife,” warns that America’s favorite local establishments are increasingly being forced to contend with skyrocketing insurance premiums and legal costs fueled by lawsuit abuse.
Whether it’s a slip-and-fall claim, an altercation between patrons, or a promotional event gone wrong, billboard lawyers are often quick to seize on incidents as opportunities to pursue litigation that enriches attorneys while leaving small businesses and consumers to bear the cost.
“Across America, billboard lawyers are targeting the businesses that bring our communities together,” said Lauren Zelt, Executive Director of PACT. “When a local restaurant closes, a neighborhood bar shuts down, or a family-owned business can no longer afford insurance, consumers pay the price. The people filing these lawsuits move on to their next target, while communities are left with fewer jobs, fewer gathering places, and higher costs.”
The video highlights examples from states including Maryland, Florida, California, and New York, where business owners have cited rising litigation and insurance costs as growing challenges to staying open and serving customers.
“These lawsuits don’t happen in a vacuum,” Zelt continued. “Every dollar spent responding to excessive litigation is a dollar that can’t be invested in employees, customers, or growing a business. The result is fewer choices for consumers, fewer opportunities for entrepreneurs, and fewer places for communities to gather.”
“Billboard Lawyers Ruin Nightlife” is the latest entry in PACT’s ongoing video series highlighting the consequences of lawsuit abuse on consumers, businesses, and local communities. Earlier episodes of the series can be viewed on PACT’s YouTube channel.