Pennsylvania has earned the unwelcome distinction of being named the nation’s worst Judicial Hellhole in the nation in the 2024–2025 report by the American Tort Reform Foundation. The report cites nuclear verdicts, such as a recent $2.25 billion award in a product liability case, and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s liability-expanding rulings as key reasons for the ranking. The Commonwealth’s courts have become notorious for excessive litigation, nuclear verdicts, and expanded liability theories, creating an environment hostile to businesses.

This unfriendly legal environment has dire consequences for industries like trucking, which already faces significant legal and operational challenges. These consequences include:

• Skyrocketing Insurance Costs: Trucking companies operating in Pennsylvania face escalating premiums as insurers react to inflated liability risks.
• Economic Impact: Excessive litigation results in a $1,431 annual “tort tax” for Pennsylvania residents and over 171,000 lost jobs each year, harming businesses and communities alike.
• Regulatory Risks: Novel liability theories, duplicative damages, and expanded venue rules make defending cases increasingly difficult and expensive for trucking operators.

With nearly 70,000 trucking companies operating in Pennsylvania, most of which are small, locally owned businesses, the stakes are high. These companies employ 341,000 workers—one in every 15 Pennsylvanians—and are essential for moving goods across the supply chain.

Trucking companies are frequent targets of abusive litigation practices, and a single lawsuit can bankrupt a small operator. The resulting higher insurance premiums, legal costs, and operational risks are passed down to consumers through increased prices.

The crisis in Pennsylvania’s courts is unlikely to abate soon. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court recently removed an important venue rule that limited forum shopping, resulting in a surge of medical liability cases in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. Additionally, the court is now deliberating on a case that could limit the availability of arbitration—an essential tool for efficiently resolving disputes.

A Path Toward Reform

There is, however, a glimmer of hope for change. In October, State Representative Torren Ecker held a press conference addressing the urgent need for tort reform. His proposed legislative package includes several critical measures, such as a seatbelt admissibility bill, which would allow evidence of seatbelt use in accident cases, bringing fairness to courtrooms. These reforms are essential for restoring balance to Pennsylvania’s civil justice system and protecting businesses and residents from the devastating impacts of excessive litigation.

PMTA's Commitment

The Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association (PMTA) strongly supports Representative Ecker’s legislative efforts. For the trucking industry, these reforms are not just necessary—they are vital to ensuring that companies can operate efficiently, affordably, and without the constant threat of unfair legal outcomes.

“Being first in the nation for lawsuit abuse is nothing to be proud of. It’s a wakeup call,” said Rebecca Oyler, PMTA’s President & CEO. “Policymakers should prioritize the reforms necessary to protect Pennsylvania’s trucking companies, small businesses, and consumers in the upcoming legislative session. Fair and balanced courts are critical to preserving jobs, encouraging investment, and fostering economic growth in the Commonwealth.”