US Dimension

Disproportionate tort liability cost burden for US small businesses

Small businesses in the US bear a disproportionate burden of the costs of the tort system, according to a news study from the US Chamber Institute for Legal Reform (ILR). The report, “Tort Liability Costs for Small Businesses”, found that the total costs and compensation in the tort system relating to commercial liabilities grew from US$300 billion in 2016 to US$343 billion in 2018. Small businesses shouldered US$182 billion, or 53 per cent, of those costs.