‘Controversial’ Tort Measure Is an Attack on Fla.’s Citizens and Businesses by Big Insurance

The current tort reform package (HB 837/SB 236) is a full frontal assault on the rights of Floridians, injured Floridians, and yes, Florida’s businesses, for the benefit of big national and multi-national insurance companies. This legislative package is what happens when the insurance industry is allowed to draft a bill with no input from the parties who actually purchase and rely on insurance policies. This bill, if passed, will be the largest transfer of power, money, and rights from Floridians to big insurance in our recorded history. We would all be worse off for it.

The bill has been described as an attack on trial lawyers, or making good on a “promise to take on trial lawyers.” It is not. Trial lawyers represent clients. This bill is not an attack on lawyers. It is a curtailment of the rights of their clients. It is an attack on constituents, clients, the injured and every Floridian. We are all forced to purchase insurance. It is necessary to drive a car, to own a home, to start a business, to receive health care. Insurance companies are in the “claims” business. The sole reason that they exist is to be there for people when something goes wrong. This bill would allow insurance companies to continue to collect premiums while giving them a free pass to save as much money as possible when something goes wrong, without repercussion. The big picture impact of this bill is that policyholders will not receive the protection or indemnity that they contracted for. Victims will lose access to health care. Taxpayers will foot the bill for medical care instead of wrongdoers. Medicaid will be significantly expanded. And of course, insurance companies will bring in record profits.