(AP) – An association that lobbies for restricting
liability lawsuits to help business says St. Louis has the nation’s worst
judicial climate.
An American Tort Reform Association report released Wednesday said St. Louis
is a magnet for product liability and consumer class-action lawsuits. California
is second on the list.
The group listed Missouri venue laws and expert testimony standards as
factors.
The report cited a St. Louis case over the potential role of baby powder in
causing ovarian cancer. In October, a jury awarded a California woman $70.1
million in the case.
The report likely will be used as fodder next legislative session, when
Republican legislative leaders say they’ll make tort reform a top priority.
Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon has vetoed tort-reform proposals, but Republican
Gov.-elect Eric Greitens has expressed support.
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