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For a number of years now, they have used their considerable resources in a campaign to substantially weaken or simply destroy your constitutional right to trial by jury. In order to accomplish their objective, these powerful corporations have also waged a propaganda campaign to convince you, the ordinary citizen, that the civil justice system is unfair to them. Using loaded terms like "jackpot justice" and "runaway jury," they have persuaded ordinary citizens to support their agenda, which they have mislabeled "tort reform."
We agree that reform is needed, but not the "reform" that these powerful corporations want. Instead, reforms must be adopted to protect the citizens of Alabama from:
 Manufacturers that market dangerous products in Alabama, knowing not only that their products will cause death and disease, but also that existing Alabama law discourages - or even prevents - victims from obtaining justice.
Employers that expose their workers to unnecessary workplace hazards, knowing that the meager awards allowed under the Alabama Workers Compensation Act are outweighed by the cost of protecting their workers.
Insurers that have become wealthy on hefty premiums collected for years but nevertheless routinely deny legitimate claims, adopting the posture that they will pay millions for legal defense but not one cent for compensation.
Defense lawyers that engage in "scorched earth" tactics intended to delay trial or settlement and drive up the cost of prosecuting legitimate claims, thereby discouraging victims from seeking justice, while at the same time enriching themselves by maximizing the hourly fee paid to them by the powerful manufacturers and insurers they represent.
The Alabama Legal Reform Foundation will promote reforms that will protect the ordinary citizens of Alabama. |
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