Florida House and Senate recently passed legislation limiting lawsuit abuse, which critics say benefits insurance companies more than victims. Governor Ron DeSantis approved House Bill 837 in March, and the complementing Senate Bill 236 is expected to become eligible for approval soon. Opponents of the legislation fear it will strip Floridians of their legal rights in civil cases. They argue that the measures limit what injured parties can present in court and are designed to limit the compensation they can collect. However, supporters say the changes will help eliminate lawsuit abuse by limiting what can be shared with juries, thus protecting businesses from negligence. The legislation will shorten the statute of limitations from four to two years and determine what doctors can charge for their services. Supporters of the bills also believe that it will provide accurate information to juries tasked with seeking the truth and making accurate judgments for damages. The account has opposition, however. Many bikers, for example, disapprove of the bill's impact on crash victims and its benefit to insurance companies.
Attorney Richard Purtz noted that while most people injured in accidents seek legal help soon after their injury, sometimes their treatments can extend beyond 60, 90, or even 180 days. Sometimes, it can take one or two years to complete multiple surgeries resulting from a single event. Before undergoing surgery two years after her accident, Spero experienced constant pain and limited mobility in her leg. Despite regaining physical ability, she still carries the mental weight of the experience daily.
Purtz also raised concerns about the impact of Hurricane Ian on homeowners in Southwest Florida. He stated that his firm had received hundreds of complaints from homeowners with damages of $75,000 or $100,000 but are only being offered $2,000 or $3,000. Before recent legal changes, the insurance company would have to pay the attorneys' fees if homeowners sued their insurance companies and won. However, this is no longer the case, and homeowners are now responsible for paying their lawyers out of their own pockets or settlement money. Purtz believes this needs to be revised for insured individuals to receive full reimbursement for their losses and rebuild their homes. He argues that the current system favors insurance companies, not the insured, and the recently passed legislation, HB 837, does not benefit injured victims but makes resolving cases difficult.
