Tort reform group says St. Louis has worst judicial climate

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     (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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