‘Lawsuit abuse’ claims are wrong

The claim that Illinois is suffering from widespread “lawsuit abuse” does not match the facts (Stop Stacking costs on Illinois Small Businesses, Aug. 31). In fact, civil filings have fallen by 45% over the past decade. In Cook County, those numbers have declined by 61% since 2010.

CNBC recently ranked Illinois the 12th best state for business, its highest ranking ever and tied for the nation's largest improvement since 2019. Those results underscore that protecting consumers' rights, holding wrongdoers financially accountable for the harms they cause and maintaining a competitive business environment are quite compatible.

The same is true of workers’ compensation. The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) reports that Illinois has a financially healthy workers’ compensation system, with fewer lost-time claims and insurers continuing to maintain strong underwriting results. This benefits employers, employees and taxpayers alike.

Rather than heeding calls to weaken workers’ protections and restrict access to the courts that Illinois taxpayers fund, we should celebrate having a civil justice system that is open and accessible to all, especially those without wealth and power.

Policymakers should continue to support laws that encourage responsible business practices, protect workers and consumers, and hold those who cause harm responsible. Such an approach is what makes Illinois a fair, competitive and attractive place to live, work and do business.

Michael T. Mertz, President, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association