Henry’s Inaction Endangers Chances for Lawsuit Reform

A lack of action by Gov. Brad Henry has gravely endangered the chances for meaningful lawsuit reform this session, Senate Republican leaders said Monday.

“We’re seeing what reformers have feared all along. The legislative Democrats are trying to come up with the most pro-trial lawyer bill possible, and Gov. Henry isn’t lifting a finger to stop them – despite all his rhetoric in support of Texas-style lawsuit reform,” stated Senate Republican Leader James A. Williamson of Tulsa.

A conference committee charged with developing a final lawsuit reform bill began work today, when anti-reform Democrats on the committee forced the adoption of watered-down legislative language as the base bill – and then proceeded to water the bill down further.

Democrats succeeded Monday in defeating a seemingly non-controversial amendment to allow doctors to say “I’m sorry” to family members if a loved one dies or is injured during a medical procedure without incurring liability. Then, instead of adopting reforms to prevent “forum shopping,” Democrats adopted language making it easier for plaintiffs’ attorneys to shop around for favorable judges and juries.

“It is becoming obvious that, at best, we’ll end up with a watered-down bill that doesn’t do a thing to curb lawsuit abuse. The governor and his Democrat allies seem willing to sell doctors, hospitals, and small businesses down the river in order to protect the trial lawyers,” said Senator Owen Laughlin, R-Woodward, a member of the conference committee.

“If lawsuit reform was a trip to Disneyland, all we’re getting from this governor’s efforts is a Mickey Mouse bill that contains little or no meaningful reforms,” stated Sen. Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City. Coffee is also a conference committee member.

“Governor Henry and the legislative Democrats just don’t get it. Their bill doesn’t include anything remotely close to the Texas-style lawsuit reform we need to compete economically with our neighbors. Oklahoma will be laughing stock of the country if we trot this bill out as our response to Texas’ landmark lawsuit reform,” said Sen. Mike Johnson, R-Kingfisher, also a committee member.