Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry on Wednesday unveiled a sweeping package of tort reform measures aimed at reducing insurance premiums, placing blame on both trial lawyers and insurance companies for escalating costs.
Speaking at a morning news conference on Wednesday, Landry criticized rising insurance profits while many residents face higher premiums. “Despite all the bills that we did last year, insurance profits continue to go up, but [the] amount in people’s pockets continues to go down,” Landry said.
Citing a legislative report, Landry emphasized that the majority of industry-recommended tort reform measures have now passed during the ongoing legislative session. He remained optimistic about finalizing additional reforms before the session ends.
“Still hopeful that by the end of the session, we will sign even more of those industry-specific recommendations that insurance companies asked for, and more importantly predicted, would lower rates,” he said. “This is the largest tort reform package in the history of the state.”
The new legislation, Landry explained, is aimed at reining in what he described as “a cultural problem of frivolous litigation,” driven in part by lawyer advertising. He noted that while Louisiana’s rate of car accidents and repair costs align with national averages, the state sees disproportionately high minor injury claims—twice the national average.
Among the measures signed:
“Uninsured motorists should not be able to reap huge rewards of lawsuits. They should not be allowed to cash in on general damages like emotional distress, pain, and suffering,” Landry said.
“Today, we’ve taken steps to shield Louisianans from frivolous lawsuits driven by trial lawyers—using a data-driven strategy. And we made it clear to insurance companies that they must answer to their policyholders. Over the past fifty days, I am proud to say that the only side I’ve stood with is the people of Louisiana.”
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