Donald M. Payne: “I am pleased to support the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act, H.R. 4571, that addresses the problem of frivolous lawsuits in…”

“I am pleased to support the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act, H.R. 4571, that addresses the problem of frivolous lawsuits in a constitutional manner. As an OB-GYN, I am very aware of the damage frivolous litigation is causing small businesses and medical practitioners. Frivolous lawsuits filed by unscrupulous trial lawyers can drive small businesses into bankruptcy and force doctors to abandon their medical practice. These lawsuits inflict the greatest danger on consumers who must pay more for goods and services and medical patients who cannot find needed medical services in their communities. H.R. 4571 reduces frivolous lawsuits by exercising Congress's constitutional authority to establish rule of civil procedure for federal courts. Specifically, H.R. 4571 restores mandatory sanctions for attorneys who file frivolous lawsuits. Among other sanctions, attorneys who file frivolous lawsuits may be required to pay the other side's attorneys fees. The possibility of having to pay attorneys fees is an important factor in discouraging 'nuisance' suits--lawsuits filed in the hopes of extorting cash settlements from defendants who have decided it is better to settle quickly than face the possibility of a lengthy and costly legal proceedings. This form of legal blackmail is one of the most abhorrent practices plaguing our legal system today. I am pleased to see Congress taking action to address it. H.R. 4571 also ends the practice of forum shopping.”