It is often said that “The Devil is in the details”. Such would seem to be the case with the constant barrage of misinformation about civil litigation that typically emanates from the insurance industry or big business. According to statistics, the picture that emerges about civil litigation is very different than what one might imagine from those that seek to criticize the American civil justice system. High value tort cases and commercial contract disputes are typically the main focus of the misinformation campaign but the truth is that collectively these two areas of civil litigation comprise a small fraction of the total civil justice system case load. Based on recent studies, nearly two thirds of pending cases are comprised of contract dispute cases (64%), more than half of which are debt collection cases (37%) and landlord/tenant disputes (29%). Small claims cases involving disputes valued at $12,000 or less comprise sixteen percent (16%) and nine percent (9%) are other civil cases involving domestic or criminal related cases. Astonishingly, only seven percent (7%) were tort cases.
The American civil justice system is the best justice system in the world. It may not be perfect but there is no such thing as a perfect civil justice system. Thus, based on the actual statistics, one must question why has there and does there continue to be such an assault on our civil justice system by the insurance industry and big business. The answer, no doubt, resides in the area of profits and the encroachment on the civil liberties of citizens.
Cle’ Simon
For more than 75 years the Simon family has carried on a family tradition of restoring lives in local communities and throughout the stat of Louisiana. At Simon Law Offices, I have proudly embraced this tradition and strive every day to continue the legacy. Simon Law Offices are Cajun Strong and restoring lives throughout Louisiana, one client at a time.
