Policy & Politics

GOAL: Improving Michigan’s Competitiveness by Maintaining a Stable Legal Climate

CHAMBER MEMBERS ADVOCATE:

• Protecting and strengthening current Michigan laws pertaining to general tort, medical liability, consumer protection and products liability, including Michigan’s FDA Defense law.

• Supporting a no-fault automobile insurance system that balances the needs of injured drivers while protecting against fraud and excessive litigation and reforms that allow for flexibility, competition and choice in the marketplace. 

• Supporting civil justice reforms, such as limitations on attorney fees, loser pay provisions and transparency in the legislative creation of new rights to sue, to ensure Michigan’s legal system is fair, efficient and predictable. 

WHY?

The general, medical and products liability reforms that were enacted by the Legislature in the 1980s and 1990s have been effective in bringing reliability and balance to our legal system by curtailing lawsuit abuse, helping to retain practicing physicians in Michigan, and focusing court and financial resources on legitimate cases. Given Michigan’s reputation as a leader in the national legal reform movement, Michigan cannot afford to turn back the clock and should instead proactively work to strengthen and improve the state’s civil justice system. For similar reasons, the Michigan Chamber supports a no-fault system that effectively holds down costs while still allowing people with serious injuries access to justice.

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