Pennsylvania Legal Climate for Businesses
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce issued a report ranking business lawsuit climates in the nation. Pennsylvaniacame in at number forty, meaning it has one of the worst perceived climates for businesses defending against lawsuits. According to the Chamber of Commerce:
Participants in the survey were comprised of a national sample of 1,125 in-house general counsel, senior litigators or attorneys, and other senior executives who indicated that they are knowledgeable about litigation matters …. The 2012 ranking builds on previous years’ work, where in each survey year all 50 states are ranked by those familiar with the litigation environment in that state…. The State Liability Systems Ranking Study aims to quantify how corporate attorneys view the state systems.
At least two problems led to the results – Pennsylvania’s former joint and several liability law, which has since changed for the better, and Pennsylvania’s jurisdictional rules that allow rampant forum shopping.
Few rules exist about where tort cases related to businesses will be heard. If two motorists have an accident in another state, the case can be heard in Philadelphia if Ford Motor Corp. is one of the defendants. On the other hand, cases involving medical malpractice must be heard in the county where the claim arose. Similar rules limiting venue need to be applied to all cases.
Today’s legal climate in Pennsylvania is one more reason businesses should choose counsel experienced in litigating business matters. If you need help litigating your business related claim, or for help with other matters related to your business, the attorneys at the Scolieri-Beam Law Group, P.C. can help. Located in western Pennsylvania, our attorneys are experienced in Pennsylvania business law and can take care of the details for you every step of the way. Contact us today at (412) 765-0546 or via email at info@scolierilaw.com.