This week, Georgia Congressman Mike Collins published commentary in the Clayton News Daily urging Georgians to pass tort reform as a method “to combat inflation” in the state.  

Collins’ piece emphasized the positive impact reform can bring to the community, highlighting the dangers posed by the current system. He agreed with Governor Briran Kemp’s statements calling lawsuit abuse and excessive litigation one of the “biggest threats to the state’s future”: 

“Gov. Kemp is right. Instead of saving for retirement, a mortgage, or college tuition, Georgians are paying to line the pockets of trial lawyers.”

According to Collins:

“The cost of excessive litigation, which includes attorney’s fees, settlements, and lawsuits averaged more than $5,000 per family of four last year in Georgia – one of the costliest states in the nation, according to an independent study from the Perryman Group.”

“As a life-long trucker, I’ve seen how trial lawyers have taken advantage of the law and bankrupted companies while driving up prices of everything we haul.”

“With promised payouts from potential medical malpractice claims, doctors providing high-risk services are seeing costs skyrocket from possible legal threats. Whether it’s at the gas pump, grocery store, or doctor’s office, tort reform is an issue that affects every hardworking Georgian.”

“In Georgia, some attorneys openly promote expensive and unnecessary treatments – all in pursuit of raising the final settlement cost.”

“The trial lawyers have deep pockets. They are going to do everything they can to stop this bill from passing. In 2023 alone, trial lawyers spent approximately $168.6 million on advertisements just in Georgia. Legislators have an opportunity to stand up to this predatory system.” 

Collins further expanded on how Kemp’s SB68 can help the state: 

“This year, Georgia has an opportunity to tackle these costs and deliver lasting reforms for families and small businesses, with Governor Kemp leading the way.” 

“With Gov. Kemp’s leadership, we have the momentum and the will to protect families, victims, and consumers. Together, we can put an end to lawsuit abuse and restore balance to our justice system.”

Collins’ full op-ed can be found here.