Rep. Calvert Applauds Passage of the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act

Rep. Calvert Applauds Passage of the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Corona) voted in favor H.R. 420, the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act, which would reduce frivolous lawsuits. Rep. Calvert cosponsored H.R. 420, which passed the House by a vote of 228-184.

"H.R. 420 helps so many businesses, school boards, and doctors who are overwhelmed by frivolous lawsuits," said Rep. Calvert. "Our legal system rewards people who file frivolous lawsuits because there are few penalties for filing even the most egregious claims. Trial lawyers can convince innocent defendants to settle out of court due to the high cost of a legal defense. Our system needs reforms like those in H.R. 420."

The legislation would reduce lawsuit abuse by:

* Restoring mandatory sanctions on attorneys, law firms, or parties who file frivolous lawsuits;
* Abolishing the "safe harbor" provision that allows parties and their attorneys to avoid sanctions by withdrawing a suit within 21 days after a motion for sanctions has been filed;
* Permitting monetary sanctions, including reimbursement of reasonable attorney's fees and litigation costs in connection with frivolous lawsuits; and
* Provides a national solution to prevent forum shopping by requiring personal injury cases only be brought only where the plaintiff resides, where the plaintiff was allegedly injured, where the circumstances of the injury occurred, or where the defendant's principal place of business is located.

http://calvert.house.gov/pressreleases.asp?ARTICLE4024=10150