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E-News In this report:
Tracking the Trial Lawyers: Update Trial lawyers pouring more dough Continuing their record-breaking contribution levels, trial lawyers from around the state have donated exceptional amounts of money to two state candidates: Governor Christine Gregoire (D) and candidate for Attorney General, John Ladenburg (D). According to the latest figures from the state Public Disclosure Commission, the 10 trial lawyer political action committees (PACs) have contributed $15,300 to Gregoire. But that is small potatoes compared to the additional $665,287 she has received as direct contributions from over 2200 lawyers. This amount is up by $65,000 from last month at this time. Trial lawyer contributions account for nearly 30% of John Ladenburg’s campaign funds. This includes $115,435 from individual lawyers in addition to all 10 trial lawyer PACs that have given him the maximum amount allowed under the law prior to the primary election. Comparatively, gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi (R) hasn’t received any contributions from the 10 trial lawyer PACs but has received $97,460 in direct contributions from lawyers. Attorney General Rob McKenna (R) has also been stiffed by the trial lawyer PACs but has received $94,395—6% of his total contributions—from lawyers.
Jailhouse snack lawsuit According to the Seattle Times, a former King County inmate has sued the county after he purchased a box of Keefe Snack Legends Dunkin’ Sticks from the jail commissary which he says made him sick three days after eating the snack. It was at that time he noticed the remaining portion of the snack in the box was green with mold. The inmate, who is serving time for theft and has at least eight prior felonies, is representing himself in court.
Lone Star state success A recent editorial in the American Medical News lauds the outcomes of a voter-approved medical liability reform measure passed in Texas in 2003. The measure approved a state constitutional amendment limiting noneconomic damages in medical liability cases to $250,000 for physicians. Five years later, the cap is being credited for slashing liability insurance premiums, boosting the ranks of doctors in the state, and improving medical access to patients.
Liability Reform Coalition Dana Childers, Executive Director
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