Tort Reform Passes in Louisiana; Busy 2020 Hurricane Season Already Underway

07/24/2020

On July 16, 2020, Louisiana Governor, John Bel Edwards signed into law tort reform legislation, after vetoing an earlier more sweeping version.  The reform legislation which was a priority for business and insurance interests in the State was promoted as a first step toward lowering auto insurance rates in Louisiana by making auto accident litigation less lucrative.  The new law does things such as lowering the damages threshold for jury trial from $50,000 to $10,000; limits references to availability of insurance during trial; caps certain medical expenses; and permits information on the wearing of seatbelts during trial.

It is still July, and Hurricane Hanna having just struck the south Texas coast is the earliest named storm beginning with an “H” on record to make landfall in the U.S.   There are several more systems already lined up behind Hanna giving the indication of what appears will be a very active hurricane season.

 

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