HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania has been singled out as having the worst legal climate in America according to the 2024-2025 Judicial Hellholes report, released today by the American Tort Reform Foundation (ATRF). The ranking cites Pennsylvania’s high rate of excessive litigation and escalating “nuclear verdicts” of $10 million or more awarded to plaintiffs by Philadelphia juries.
The report identifies the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court as the reason for Pennsylvania’s No. 1 ranking, pointing to liability-expanding rulings and record-setting damage awards. Among the findings:
– Pennsylvania residents pay a “tort tax” of $1,431 annually, and the state loses more than 171,000 jobs each year due to excessive litigation.
– Medical malpractice lawsuits surged following a state Supreme Court decision that reversed a long-standing rule discouraging forum shopping, causing healthcare costs to rise and limiting access to care.
– Philadelphia courts lead the nation in nuclear verdicts, with jury awards over $10 million becoming increasingly common.
“Pennsylvania’s legal system is overly conducive to frivolous lawsuits and lacks the protections needed to create a fair, balanced, and common-sense system,” said PA Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein. “The business community supports legal reforms that prevent lawsuit abuse while protecting the right of legitimate plaintiffs to seek justice. Without these reforms, Pennsylvania will remain at a significant competitive disadvantage for attracting employers.”
Excessive litigation has major economic implications nationwide, costing $330 billion annually, eliminating 4.8 million jobs, and hindering innovation and economic growth across the country. The ATRF has published its Judicial Hellholes report annually since 2002. For the full report, visit www.judicialhellholes.org.