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Corman's Statement on
Governor's Veto of Fair Share Act
"Governor Rendell's veto of a
bipartisan 'Fair Share Act' lawsuit reform measure is not only a blow to
job-creators, health care providers and Pennsylvania consumers. It is also an
abrupt reversal of his promise to fight frivolous lawsuits and make
Pennsylvania's legal system fairer.
"Governor Rendell has said
repeatedly that he favors changes in the law to prevent individuals from
collecting huge sums of money from companies having very little liability.
"In 2001, he sent out a news
release applauding the General Assembly for enacting venue reforms and joint and
several liability reform saying, 'Pennsylvania has taken serious steps to
address some of the long-term medical malpractice liability issues.'
"Yet when he had a chance to
sign the Fair Share Act and restore legal reforms that were struck down by the
courts in 2002, he reneged on that pledge.
"The Fair Share Act was
created to restore fairness, common sense, and personal responsibility to our
out-of-control lawsuit abuse system.
"It would have brought
Pennsylvania in line with lawsuit reform measures passed in 44 other states by
eliminating 'joint and severability' in cases where a defendant is found to be
less than 60 percent responsible.
"This situation has put
Pennsylvania at an extreme economic disadvantage and hurt job-creators. Among
those hardest hit by this outdated law are Pennsylvania's health care
facilities. The recent case involving Tyrone Hospital clearly shows the need
for this reform.
"Recognizing the economic
impact of lawsuit abuse, the Legislature moved to restore the Fair Share Act.
Our goal was to help to create and maintain jobs, provide Pennsylvanians with
opportunity and security and bring fairness to our legal system.
"In the past, Governor
Rendell touted these reforms, painting himself as a new Democrat, who would work
to cut taxes, improve the economy and make our legal system fairer. Yet when he
was presented with a chance to do just that, he did a classic flip-flop.
"His failure to embrace
responsible reforms to our civil justice system will hurt Pennsylvania. Joint
and several liability is a job killer. Lawsuit abuse hurts everyone. Lawsuits
clog the courts -- keeping legitimate claims from being resolved.
"Pennsylvania needs to
continue this fight and join other states that have enacted lawsuit reforms
addressing joint and several liability. This is about providing Pennsylvanians
with opportunity and security and helping to protect jobs and our economy."
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