New servey shows deep concern over state’s litigation climate

Trenton, NJ – A new survey released by the New Jersey Lawsuit Reform Alliance (NJLRA) shows employers give the state’s business climate low marks, believe the number of lawsuits is increasing and making it harder to do business in New Jersey, and that the state’s civil justice system needs reform. Large and small employers across the state participated in the survey, which was conducted by the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University and commissioned by the New Jersey Lawsuit Reform Alliance (NJLRA).

“This study confirms that our state’s economy and the litigation climate are indelibly connected,” said Marcus Rayner, Executive Director of NJLRA. “Our laws are inviting lawsuits against New Jersey employers and that has some very serious implications for New Jersey’s economy, jobs and residents.”

According to the survey’s findings, over one-third of the state’s employers have been sued in the past five years. Other key findings include:

  • More than half of employers believe the number of lawsuits has increased over the past five years
  • Nearly 4 in 10 employers have been threatened with a lawsuit in the past five years.
  • 89 percent believe lawsuits are driving up the cost of doing business in New Jersey.
  • 89 percent of business executives strongly agreed or agreed that lawsuits raise the prices that consumers pay for products and services.
  • One in four employers has considered relocating their business outside of New Jersey because of a lawsuit or the threat of lawsuits.
  • More than 8 in 10 employers support the passage of tort reform legislation.
  • Three-quarters of respondents say that passing new laws to reform the civil justice system will make it easier for New Jersey to keep employers in the state.