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Aiken Community Advocates for Urgent Tort Reform

Community leaders and business owners in Aiken discuss the urgent need for tort reform.

News Summary

In Aiken, South Carolina, local business owners and community leaders gathered to discuss vital tort law reforms at an event hosted by the South Carolina Coalition for Lawsuit Reform. Emphasizing the need for changes to ‘joint and several liability,’ coalition leaders highlighted the potential challenges for business attraction in the state. Broad public support for reform was noted, with over 86% of Republican voters advocating for changes. As South Carolina faces fierce competition from other states, local leaders are pushing for accountability to protect both businesses and victims.

Aiken Takes a Stand for Tort Reform!

On a chilly day in Aiken, South Carolina, local business owners and community leaders gathered at Newberry Hall on January 10 for a significant event organized by the South Carolina Coalition for Lawsuit Reform. The coalition, known for advocating changes to the state’s tort laws, welcomed various members of the South Carolina General Assembly to discuss the urgent need for reform.

What’s the Buzz About Tort Reform?

The atmosphere was lively as Russ Dubisky, the coalition’s President and CEO, took center stage. He emphasized the importance of reforming tort laws in South Carolina, which determine how individuals and businesses are compensated in civil courts when someone’s actions lead to harm. To put it simply, torts are about accountability — a legal way to hold people responsible for harm caused by their actions or inaction.

Joining Forces for Change

Dubisky passionately noted that the coalition serves as a unified voice for businesses advocating for these essential changes. One of the significant issues in the current tort law framework is “joint and several liability.” This tricky legal doctrine has been causing a stir, as it means that if someone is found to be less than 50% at fault, they cannot be held liable for damages. There are, however, a few exceptions to this rule, including sellers of alcohol and illegal drugs.

This situation has left many in the business community and beyond concerned. Without reforms, Dubisky pointed out, South Carolina could find itself at a disadvantage when it comes to attracting new businesses. Other states, like North Carolina and Florida, have also recently updated their tort laws, making them more business-friendly. There’s a growing fear that without a change, some insurance companies may think twice about doing business in South Carolina or might cut back on coverage limits, which could spell trouble for both businesses and victims.

Support from the People

Interestingly enough, the coalition claims that their push for tort reform has broad support among the public. Surveys indicate that over 86% of Republican voters have stood behind such reforms in the past. This is a clear shout-out to lawmakers — the people want change! Progress was made in the South Carolina Senate in 2023, highlighting a growing legislative focus on lawsuit reform.

Both the Republican Caucus and the Freedom Caucus in the House have prioritized lawsuit reform initiatives, showing unity across party lines. Moreover, South Carolina’s Governor, Henry McMaster, has backed tort reform on multiple occasions, indicating that there’s a real governmental momentum for change.

Weathering the Storm

Amidst all this lively discussion, Aiken faced its own set of challenges. Recent winter weather resulted in school closures and some unexpected snow and ice accumulation, which caused travel concerns across the area on the same day as the event. Aiken Electric Cooperative, true to form, had to restore power to over 6,000 members affected by outages caused by the storm.

The Bigger Picture

Discussions at the event resonate with ongoing tension surrounding liability laws, especially concerning establishments that serve alcohol. As Aiken looks ahead, community engagement in these crucial discussions could pave the way for positive changes that not only benefit businesses but also protect victims while ensuring accountability. Advocates and local leaders are clearly driving the conversation, and the community’s support will be key in pushing for updates to the law.

As the sun sets on another day in Aiken, it’s clear that this city is not just sitting by idly. The push for tort reform is alive and well, and the call for accountability and fairness is echoing throughout the bustling community!