An affordability target: lawsuit abuse

Illinois lawmakers began the 2026 legislative session talking about affordability. As reported recently by Capitol News Illinois, legislative leaders said helping families deal with rising costs would be a central focus this year.

As lawmakers now approach the end of the session, that goal remains as important as ever. Illinois families and small businesses continue to face rising insurance costs, higher prices for goods and services, and growing economic uncertainty. If Springfield truly wants to improve affordability, there is one issue that deserves serious attention: the cost of excessive litigation.

A recent analysis by The Perryman Group highlights the economic impact of lawsuit abuse in Illinois. The report estimates that excessive litigation costs reduce Illinois economic output by more than $25 billion each year and are associated with the loss of more than 214,000 jobs statewide. On a household level, these costs function like a hidden tax of roughly $2,000 per resident annually.

These costs rarely appear on a bill with a line item labeled “lawsuits.” Instead, they show up in higher insurance premiums, higher consumer price and fewer opportunities for small businesses that already operate on tight margins.

Addressing this issue does not mean denying justice to people who have been harmed. A fair civil justice system is essential. The challenge is maintaining a system that compensates legitimate injuries without creating incentives for excessive or opportunistic litigation.

If affordability is truly the goal, reducing the hidden cost of excessive litigation should be part of the conversation. Sensible reforms can help make Illinois a more affordable place to live, work, and start a business.

Phil Melin, Executive Director

Illinois Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse