Palmetto State News

FITSNews has announced a new television advertisement targeting South Carolina trial lawyers for their opposition to lawsuit reform. The ad accuses these lawyers of prioritizing their financial interests while Senator Shane Massey advocates for changes to the state's tort laws. This announcement was made on March 4.

According to FITSNews, the 30-second advertisement criticizes South Carolina’s trial lawyer lobby for opposing legislation S. 244, which seeks to reform the state's lawsuit industry. The ad claims that trial lawyers are attempting to protect their financial interests by maintaining the current tort system, described as a "cash cow" that increases costs for businesses and families.

The legislation in question was introduced by Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey and is supported by Governor Henry McMaster, Senate President Thomas Alexander, and business groups such as the Mom and Pop Alliance of South Carolina and the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. The advertisement comes at a time when trial lawyers are intensifying efforts to defeat the bill, investing heavily in campaigns aimed at lawmakers and utilizing social media influence.

A study from the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) indicates that South Carolina families incur an annual "tort tax" of $3,544, marking a 33% increase over three years due to the state’s litigious legal environment, particularly concerning asbestos-related lawsuits. ATRA supports Massey's legislation. "These changes would create a more fair and balanced legal system for all South Carolinians," said ATRA President Tiger Joyce. "We’re encouraged to see lawmakers recognize the need for reforms and urge the Senate to prioritize this commonsense bill."

FITSNews is an independent media outlet based in South Carolina, founded by Will Folks.