San Diego Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse was founded in 1994 as a non partisan, 501 (c) 6 non-profit educational grassroots organization dedicated to preventing improper use of the legal system for personal financial gain.

In the words of Abraham Lincoln:

"Never stir up litigation. A worse man can scarcely be found than one who does this. Who can be more nearly a fiend than he who habitually overhaulsthe register of deeds in search of defects in titles, whereon to stir up strife, and put money in his pocket?"
--July 1, 1850 -- Notes from a law lecture

LAWSUIT ABUSE takes place when plaintiff’s lawyers and their clients use the legal system to strike it rich rather than to seek justice and fair compensation.

Our goal is to bring balance, fairness, responsibility and restraint to our court system through public awareness and grassroots support. We focus on the adverse effect of abusive, "shakedown" lawsuits as an economic and consumer issue. By raising the profile of lawsuit abuse, we believe there will be a change in public understanding, attitude and behavior. Clearly the justice system needs correction, and correction begins with education. We achieve our mission by:
Increasing public awareness of the true consequences of lawsuit abuse -- destroyed businesses, lost jobs and higher prices for consumers;
Stimulating debate on the issue; and,
Serving as a watchdog group over those interests that use the system to seek undeserved financial gain at the expense of consumers.

WHAT WE DO

Serve as a watchdog over the state legislature.

Raise public awareness, encourage constituents to be engaged in the process.

Educate citizens as to the overall cost to our society and economy of the "litigate first" mentality so that citizens will insist upon reforms.

Serve as watchdog over the Attorney General's office in terms of the kind of litigation pursued and the relationship between the office and private law firms.

Showcase how abuses of consumer protection laws (Prop65, ADA, Etc.) impact consumers and small business.

Citizens need to be aware and take action. If not, media won’t pay attention, Legislators wont’ take notice.

THE PROBLEM

An overused lawyer’s contingent fee payment system with no perceived cost or risk to the plaintiff.

A generally ineffective system of laws and rules that rewards abuse to the detriment of consumers.

Many plaintiff attorneys often file lawsuits without appropriate investigation into the merits of the case.

A shift in our culture from an ethic of personal responsibility to a sense of “personal entitlement.”

A lack of understanding by the public at large on the true costs of abusive, "shakedown" lawsuits.

Many trial lawyers are against damage limits and repeatedly attempt to thwart meaningful reform.

Skyrocketing litigation-related costs are:

Compromising access to affordable health care.
Punishing consumers by raising the cost of goods and services.
Driving businesses out of our state.
Discouraging other businesses from setting up shop in our state
Diverting business revenues from job creation and expansion to litigation defense costs.

According to the 2006 Chamber of Commerce State Liability Systems Ranking Study, conducted by Harris Interactive, the threat of excessive punitive damages awards remains one of the strongest concerns of businesses aroudn the nation. California's punitive damages system is seen as one of the worst threats, 41 out of 50, with 50 being worst. Overall, California ranks 44th of of 50 in creating a fair and reasonable litigation environment.

California’s reputation as one of the worst legal climates in the country has a detrimental impact on the state’s economy, including our ability to attract investments, retain jobs, and produce. Economists have determined that a state’s legal climate ranking bears a direct relationship to its gross product and worker productivity.

Aggressive personal injury lawyers target certain professions, industries, and individual companies as profit centers. They systematically recruit clients who may never have suffered a real illness or injury and use scare tactics, combined with the promise of awards, to bring these people into massive class action suits. They effectively tap the media to rally sentiment for multi-million-dollar punitive damage awards. This leads many companies to settle questionable lawsuits just to stay out of court.

SOLUTIONS

Require the loser to pay attorney fees and costs.

Reform class action lawsuits and attorney fees in class action cases.

Place limits on product liability actions.

Enact caps on non-economic damages.

Provide liability protection for teachers and school officials.

Require reduction of damage awards by percentage of responsibility of a settling party.

Draw attention to the role junk science plays in propping up junk lawsuits.

We need to create a climate of confidence.

Business will locate where the reward is greater than the risk.

Elect lawmakers who support sensible legal reforms.

Try mediation or arbitration to resolve disputes.

Meaningful reforms to the legal system would result in:

stronger economic growth.
more affordable products and services.
higher personal income.
a system that encourages innovation in safety and convenience.
restoring predictability and fairness to our legal system.

More than 9,500 San Diego County residents, taxpayers and small business owners are CALA supporters. San Diego County Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse is one of six independent CALA's throughout the State of California, with a combined support base exceeding 40,000. San Diego County Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit mutual benefit corporation. Contributions are NOT tax deductible as charitable contributions, but MAY be deductible as an ordinary business expense. Consult your tax preparer regarding your eligibility to take the deduction.