Indiana's Legal Climate Not Ideal For Business Owners

Thursday, September 19, 2019 at 9:23 AM

By Madelaine Braggs, 24/7 News Source

About 89 percent of business leaders say a state's lawsuit climate impacts important company decisions such as where to locate or expand.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - A new study says Indiana's legal climate isn't ideal for business owners. 

Harold Kim from the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform says Marion County is an active hub for malicious asbestos litigation.

“It creates a hostile economic environment for companies where they have absolutely no certainty whether they’re going to get an extortionate demand from a class action lawyer,” Kim explains.

According to The 2019 Lawsuit Climate Survey, Indiana ranks 31st best legal climate for business owners. That's its lowest ranking in the history of the survey with a 16-point drop since 2017. 

Kim says a lack of new legislation to protect business owners, while asbestos litigations spike, is one reason for the sudden plunge on the list. 

In some cases, Kim says, businesses are going under for harmless matters.

“You get demand letters that if your mirror is not six inches within requirements under the laws and regulations, that you’ve violated the state ADA and in order to get rid of this you’re going to have to pay the attorney X amount,” he says.

Kim says injured employees should be compensated, but attorneys are taking advantage of the laws.

“They are basically manufacturing claims so that they can extract settlements and attorneys fees from the number of tools that the legislature has granted through these private rights of action,” he says.

 

More from Local News


Events

Ripley County K9 Wins Multiple Awards

Teams that entered the competition ranged from Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia.

Closure Planned on State Road 262 in Ohio County

The closure will take place between Downey Ridge Road and Stephenson Road.

Lane Closure On I-275 Next Week

Crews will close the left lane of I-275 East between Blue Rock Road and U.S. 27 (Colerain Avenue).

Local Sports Report - March 28-29, 2025

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

Local Sports Report - March 27, 2025

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

IBCA Announces 2024-25 Boys Basketball All-State Teams

Several local players earned recognition.

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
Alan Jackson - Livin' on Love

Jake Owen Down To The Honkytonk 4:10
Garth Brooks The Dance 4:07
George Strait Cowboys and Dreamers 4:03
Fox News Fox News National Newscast 4:02