What's Up with the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform?

That's the question I asked when I noted, via Google alerts, that the Hartford Courant's article about my suit against two Norwich physicians and the former CEO of Haven Healthcare (see post # 2 below, dated 10/24/08) was featured on the Institute's website. According to its website:

"The U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform (ILR) is a national campaign, representing the nation's business community, with the critical mission of making America's legal system simpler, fairer and faster for everyone." So far, that sounds good. "Founded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 1998 to address the country's litigation explosion, ILR is the only national legal reform advocate to approach reform comprehensively by not only working to change the legal culture, but also to change the legislators and judges that create that culture. (emphasis added). Ah, here we go.

"ILR supports:
- federal and state legislative reforms
- voter education efforts
- public education campaigns
- grassroots activities

ILR aims to:
- neutralize plaintiff trial lawyers' excessive influence over the legal and political systems
- create and maintain public support for legal reform, including building alliances with groups and organizations to advance the legal reform agenda
- enact common sense reforms to ensure fairness in liability suits
- ensure damage awards are fair and equitable, eliminate frivolous lawsuits, and enforce legal ethics rules

Hmmm. An anti-plaintiff business group. Go figure. But why did they feature my case on their site? Since Connecticut, like many states, has a pre-suit requirement that attorneys must get a written report by an expert certifying that there are grounds to support a good faith belief that malpractice has occurred, I'm quite confident that my suit is not frivolous. We believe in fairness, justice and ethics too. Along with accountability. Frankly, I resent the implication that all suits are frivolous, unethical etc., esp. mine.

We'll be taking a closer look at the Institute in future posts. Check back often.