A new study claims Wisconsin's litigation atmosphere is a threat to economic development.
Jim Hough with the Wisconsin Economic Development Association says numerous studies confirm a significant drop in Wisconsin's overall economic development rankings, which in turn shows a need for legal reform. The Wisconsin Economic Development Institute prepared the study, which also points out high costs to the state's small businesses.
But Darcy Haber with Citizen Action of Wisconsin says there's little news in the study's findings, and suggests another reason for lagging economic development — escalating health care costs. Hough says the study also found that injured parties receive only a fraction of awards with the balance going to things like attorney fees. Haber says Wisconsin citizens can retain attorneys on retainer; and wonders why their fees are questioned, while CEO pay is not.
Related web sites:
Wisconsin Economic Development Association
Citizen Action of Wisconsin