Tort Reform Marches On

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley recently signed four tort reform bills into law. The Business Council of Alabama summarizes, noting that “these bills will help to finally end Alabama’s reputation as a ‘judicial hellhole’”.

The following were signed into law:

1. SB 59, will decrease the statute of repose for commencing a civil action against an architect, engineer, or builder from 13 years to seven years.
2. SB 207, provides that judgments, other than judgments based on a contract action, would bear a flat rate of 7%.
3. SB 212, provides that wrongful death action may only be filed in a county where the deceased could have filed a civil action, if living.
4. SB 187, would require the federal expert witness rule, known as the “Daubert Standard,” be applied in Alabama and be limited to scientific evidence. Alabama was one of the final states to adopt this standard. ◆