WV CALA looks to raise awareness during Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week
by admin on 19/10/09 at 1:20 pm
The West Virginia Record
By Chris Dickerson
October 19, 2009
CHARLESTON — While debates over stricter federal coal mining regulations and national health care reform have been at the forefront of state news reports in recent weeks, a statewide group wants to remind West Virginians about the ongoing problems in the state’s courts and the importance of much-needed legal reforms.
West Virginia Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse says Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week, which runs from Oct. 18 to Oct. 24, is an opportunity to review how West Virginia’s courts are working and take a step back and see what can be done to improve them. Leaders of the non-profit group are urging citizens to take an active role in improving the state’s legal system.
“Reform of our state legal system is essential for future economic growth,” WV CALA Executive Director Richie Heath said. “For years now, our legal climate has ranked as the worst in the nation. Our reputation for lawsuit abuse has had a direct impact on our ability to attract well-paying jobs to the state.
“Moreover, our failure to compete with neighboring states has contributed to slower economic growth, and consequently lower household incomes for West Virginia families.”
