Benefits From Tort Reform In Mississippi Go To Insurance Companies And Large Corporations

Daniel D. Ware, a Mississippian, posts his personal observation that the supposed benefits of tort reform have not materialized. Worse, he believes insurance companies and large companies have been the real winners. Is anyone really surprised?

Daniel D. Ware, a Mississippian, posts his personal observation that the supposed benefits of tort reform have not materialized. Worse, he believes insurance companies and large corporations have been the real winners. Is anyone really surprised?

The old expression goes: “Be careful what you ask for; you may actually get it.”

I am afraid that day has now arrived in Mississippi. Since 2002, our state has been bombarded with the rhetoric that our business climate was horrible and tort reform was a much need savior.

Life would be much better since businesses now have a friendly legal climate.

As to our medical profession, there has been no great reduction for malpractice insurance. Rural doctors and hospitals still complain of its cost.

As for the rest of us, just ask a victim of Hurricane Katrina. Insurance companies have no real incentive to resolve claims for the people of this state.

Now these companies know what the bottom line really is to deny a claim. Courtrooms, which used to be the equalizer for justice, have several Legislature-given limitations.

People who have lost their homes, jobs and loved ones are now having to fight tooth and nail for a reasonable settlement to attempt to get back to where they were before the storm.

By the way, just ask your insurance agent if your premiums are going down. Remember tort reform was the answer to our state’s legal problems. It may have helped insurance companies and large companies, but where are the benefits to the people of Mississippi?

Daniel D. Ware

Magee