Members of the WCJC executive committee had an editorial on collateral source legislation, Senate Bill 22 / Assembly Bill 29, published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Continue reading “Let Jury Decide on Reimbursement”
Category: Editorials
The Truth About the Trust Bill
The Wisconsin Civil Justice Council (WCJC) fully supports and has the utmost respect for the men and women who have served in the military and protected our country. We also have the utmost sympathy for veterans who are injured as a result of their service. The WCJC would not support legislation that attempts to unfairly limit the remedies available to veterans and their families.
Certain veterans groups’ comments on Assembly Bill 19/Senate Bill 13, which the WCJC supports, appear to be based on misrepresentations made to veterans by individuals and groups that have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo. As explained below, their assertions about the supposed impact of the proposed legislation are simply not true. In fact, by protecting the limited funds available to trusts and the limited resources of solvent businesses, AB 19/SB 13 will help ensure that veterans and other legitimate victims receive fair compensation in the future. Continue reading “The Truth About the Trust Bill”
Reform Bills Moving Forward
The past few weeks have been very active for WCJC. The Assembly and Senate Judiciary Committees have held a number of public hearings on bills supported by WCJC and its Partners. Below is a summary of each bill and its current status. Continue reading “Reform Bills Moving Forward”
Supreme Court Race Heats Up
On April 2, incumbent Justice Patience Roggensack will face Marquette Law professor Ed Fallone for her chance to win another 10-year term on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. While it may not ignite the same political passions as the 2011 Prosser-Kloppenburg race, the 2013 contest is critical to determining the balance of power on the high court. Continue reading “Supreme Court Race Heats Up”
Hearing Scheduled for Transparency in Government Retention of Plaintiffs’ Attorneys Bill
The Assembly Judiciary Committee will hold a public hearing next Thursday, March 28 beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Assembly Bill 27, Transparency in Private Attorney Contracting. AB 27 is one of the Wisconsin Civil Justice Council’s top priorities.
To learn more about the bill, please see WCJC’s talking points. Also, click here to read a Wall Street Journal editorial by former Florida Attorney General and Congressman, Bill McCollum. Congressman McCollum will testify at the public hearing next week.
Please consider registering in favor of the bill on the Government Accountability Board’s website and slipping the bill at the public hearing on the 28th.
As always, please contact Bob Fassbender or Andy Cook with any questions.
Wall Street Journal Article Exposes Asbestos Claims Fraud
The Wall Street Journal on Monday, March 11 published an in-depth article – “As Asbestos Claims Rise, So Do Worries About Fraud” (subscription required) – which reported on the numerous anomalies in the world of asbestos litigation. Continue reading “Wall Street Journal Article Exposes Asbestos Claims Fraud”
Legislation Eliminates Phantom Damages
Rep. André Jacque and Sen. Paul Farrow have introduced legislation (Senate Bill 22/Assembly Bill 29) that will allow juries in personal injury cases to see all the evidence when determining the amount required to compensate a plaintiff for his or her past medical expenses. Continue reading “Legislation Eliminates Phantom Damages”
Roggensack, Fallone Win Supreme Court Primary
On April 2, incumbent Justice Patience Roggensack will face Marquette Law professor Ed Fallone for her chance to win another 10-year term on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. According to unofficial results from the Associated Press, with 99 percent of precincts reporting, Roggensack received 64 percent of the primary vote and Fallone, 30 percent, to lemon law attorney Vince Megna’s 6 percent. Continue reading “Roggensack, Fallone Win Supreme Court Primary”
Wisconsin Supreme Court Primary is Tomorrow, February 19
The primary election for the seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court currently held by Justice Patience Roggensack is tomorrow , Tuesday, February 19. Joining Justice Roggensack in the primary election is Marquette Law Professor Ed Fallone and trial attorney, Vince Megna.
Justice Roggensack recently received the highest rating in WCJC’s 2013 Guide to the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Judicial Evaluation. Over the last four terms (spanning four years), Justice Roggensack has an 83 percent approval rating.
The top two vote-getters in Tuesday’s primary will advance to the general election on April 2, 2013. For more information about the race, visit WMC’s Wisconsin Supreme Court Resource Center.
Legislation Introduced Provides Transparency in Government Retention of Plaintiffs’ Attorneys on Contingency Fee Basis
Rep. Mike Kuglitsch (R-New Berlin) and Sen. Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) have introduced legislation (SB 19) that provides greater transparency and oversight when the State of Wisconsin hires private plaintiffs’ attorneys on a contingency fee basis. Continue reading “Legislation Introduced Provides Transparency in Government Retention of Plaintiffs’ Attorneys on Contingency Fee Basis”