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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Justice Denied for Wronged Tennesseans?

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Wednesday, March 17, 2010   

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - When people are injured and file civil lawsuits, their attorneys often only get paid if the cases are won. Legislation now being considered in Tennessee could further increase the cost of losing a lawsuit, by forcing the losing party to pay both sides' legal costs.

Tennessee Association for Justice President Wayne Ritchie says the current system inherently discourages attorneys from accepting a case unless it is worthwhile. For plaintiffs, he contends the legislation would make the situation even worse.

"Judges already have the discretion to attach cost to the loser in a lawsuit, and judges can already also impose sanctions on people who file frivolous lawsuits."

Supporters of the bills say they would reduce the number of cases clogging civil courts, and would also trim the amounts spent by businesses to defend themselves.

Ritchie says the proposed changes would have the effect of denying justice to many people, who know they risk paying exorbitant attorneys' fees – as well as paying for the legal defense of big insurance companies.

"That company can afford to defend a strong case against it – and essentially say to the family of the person hurt, 'You can try and prosecute us if you want but, even if you just have a ten percent of losing, we'll bankrupt your family.'"

He says the proposals would particularly single out people with serious injuries or extraordinary claims, for fear of jeopardizing their financial futures.



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