I enjoy December’s “End of the Year” and “Best of the Year” Lists, especially for books, movies, beer and wine. Of course we also see the annual “Worst of the Year” lists, and as a defense-oriented attorney, I’m always fascinated by the annual “Judicial Hellholes” List. This fine document is prepared by the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA), and while the group is cheerfully partisan, one can’t dispute their evaluation of the most litigious and some would say, most outrageous venues in which to be sued.
Aside from gallows humor, this list is valuable in evaluating the risks of claims and your strategies for response. One should also consider these judicial realities when selecting business locations.
I may differ with some of these choices, but certainly not the inclusion of the entire state of California (and its out-of-control Assembly), South Florida and Hildalgo County, Texas.
I’ve set out the key lists from the Report, but please download and read the full Report, and check other discussion pieces on the site Judicial Hellholes.
Bon Appetit ….
JUDICIAL HELLHOLES
#1 City of St. Louis, Missouri
#2 California
#3 New York City Asbestos Litigation (NYCAL)
#4 Florida Supreme Court and South Florida
#5 New Jersey
#6 Cook, Madison & St. Clair Counties, Illinois
#7 Louisiana
#8 Newport News, Virginia
#9 Hidalgo County, Texas
WATCH LIST
Georgia Supreme Court
McLean County, Illinois
Montana Supreme Court
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
Pennsylvania Supreme Court
Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas
Pittsburgh (Allegheny County), Pennsylvania
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.