Lawsuit Abuse Is Costing California And We Can’t Afford to Wait -Victor Gomez-October 2025
By Victor Gomez, Executive Director, California Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse
Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week calls our attention to one of the most urgent crises undermining California’s prosperity and fairness: the unchecked abuse of our civil justice system.
At its core, lawsuit abuse isn’t abstract—it’s a “tort tax” paid by every Californian. In 2024, our state endured an estimated $89.7 billion in total tort costs, well above the national average. These aren’t just statistics—they represent money diverted from rent, healthcare, education, and business growth.
That’s not all. Californians now endure the fifth-highest per-person tort tax in the country, at $2,458 annually. In high-litigation metro areas like San Francisco, the cost jumps to a staggering $4,651 per person. Even more alarming: over 829,255 jobs are lost each year due to excessive tort-related economic drag. These figures show how frivolous lawsuits aren’t just courtroom theatrics—they choke job creation, small-business survival, and community vitality.
Small businesses bear a disproportionate share of the pain. Most lack the resources to fight meritless claims, forcing them into costly settlements—or worse, closure. Meanwhile, consumers and taxpayers end up footing the bill.
This week provides a crucial opportunity for accountability. We must demand that courts, judges, and elected officials uphold fairness—not reward manipulation. The height of litigation in California isn't inevitable; it's the result of systemic imbalances that we can—and must—correct.
There are solutions. For instance, SB 84 offers a "notice and cure" period for small businesses with 50 or fewer employees. If an alleged ADA violation is addressed within 120 days, the business is shielded from statutory damages and attorney’s fees. This approach refocuses the system on fixing issues—not cashing in on them—and could unlock up to $89.7 billion in economic growth for California.
But reform must stretch beyond one bill. We need comprehensive, commonsense measures that:
Protect small businesses from abusive litigation.
Reduce tort-related barriers to job creation and innovation.
Preserve the integrity of our civil justice system, so it serves fairness—not financial gain.
If we don’t act, we risk passing a broken system to the next generation. A fair society must ensure access to justice for all—not just those with the deepest pockets. By enacting balanced reforms today, we uphold the rule of law and safeguard our courts for the future.
This Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week, I invite every Californian to lend their voice. Share your experiences or ideas via #LawsuitAbuseAwarenessWeek. When diverse voices unite, we build momentum for meaningful change.
At California Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse, our mission is clear: a balanced, transparent civil justice system that serves the greater good. Reform won't come overnight—but with your awareness, advocacy, and resolve, it will come.
Lawsuit abuse is costing every Californian—financially, economically, and ethically. Let’s shine a light on this injustice, insist on accountability, and push for reforms that ensure fairness today—and for generations to come.