Tort Reform

  • I think the proposals for tort reform currently being debated by Congress misses the point.
    • I frankly think that "tort reform" is an attempt by the insurance industry to finger point the blame for its own mismanagement on the judicial system.

--  Michael A. Hatch, Commissioner, Department of Commerce, State of Minnesota,

1986 0225 - Letter to Senator Dale Bumpers (D-AR), Includes Letter to Governor Perpich, From Michael A. Hatch Commissioner, re: Insurance Unavailability Crisis- (p761-770)

1986 Part 2 0220 and 0221 - GOV (Senate) - The Cost and Availability of Liability Insurance for Small Business, Parts 1, 2, and 3, Jim Sasser (D-TN) - [PDF-1163p-GooglePlay-link]

  • The tort reform issue is a classic example of trying to define the issues in terms favorable to your own side.
  • The insurance industry is working to define the issue as a lawsuit crisis instead of a liability crisis.
    • The term "lawsuit crisis" implies a legal solution.
    • "Liability crisis" implies the need for a solution within the insurance industry.

--  Joy Howell, not a member of the Society, is President of Howell Communications, in Washington, D.C.

1986 - SOA- Overview of the Lobbying Process, Society of Actuaries - 18p