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Silica Screening Doctor, Ray Harron,

Surrenders Medical License in Texas

April 2007 - At its April 12-13 meeting, the Texas Medical Board took disciplinary action against 34 licensed physicians, including silica screening doctor, Ray Harron.

On April 13, 2007, the Board and Dr. Harron entered into an Agreed Order pursuant to which Dr Harron agreed not to practice medicine in the period before his medical license expires, not to renew his medical license after it expires and not to petition the Board for reinstatement or re-issuance of his license. The action was based on allegations related to silica/silicosis litigation and Dr. Harron's determination and signature on x-ray findings of silicosis for numerous silicosis plaintiffs.

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(Courtesy ATRA) December 13, 2005 -The fourth annual "Judicial Hellholes®" report, a ranking of the worst courts in the United States, was released earlier this week by the American Tort Reform Association.

The overwhelming majority of state courts dispense justice in a fair and impartial manner. By way of contrast, Judicial Hellholes are a few, but powerful, courts that have a disproportionately harmful impact on civil litigation. Litigation tourists, who neither lived nor were injured in these jurisdictions, are guided by their personal injury lawyers who seek out these places because they know they will produce a positive outcome, an excessive verdict or settlement, a favorable precedent, or both. This is venue shopping run wild.

"It is possible to quench the fires in Judicial Hellholes with the help of judges, legislators, the electorate and the media," said Sherman Joyce, President of the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA). "By shining the spotlight on the abuses in these jurisdictions, Judicial Hellholes can become fair courts.”

Download Judicial Hellholes 2005     Download WV Correction

New Report Analyzes Why

Jefferson County, Texas is a "Judicial Hellhole"

Washington D.C., August 9, 2005—A new report released today details why Jefferson County, Texas—the only Texas jurisdiction to receive the “Judicial Hellhole” designation for three years in a row—has been a magnet for speculative litigation.  More personal injury lawsuits are filed in Jefferson County, per capita, than any other large county in Texas.

“Jefferson County’s history for welcoming lawsuit abuse in its courtrooms has attracted speculative litigation to this jurisdiction which has become known as one of the most plaintiff-friendly forums in the United States,” said Sherman Joyce, President of the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA). “Litigation tourists, guided by their personal injury lawyer travel agents, file their cases in Judicial Hellholes like Jefferson County because they know they can circumvent the law and receive a favorable award or precedent, or both.”

The report, “The Making of a Judicial Hellhole: A Case Study of Jefferson County, Texas” focuses on the types of cases filed in the courts, and why the county remains a favored forum for personal injury lawyers.  In all three editions of the Judicial Hellholes reports, Jefferson County consistently has ranked among the worst jurisdictions in the United States – a reputation that has harmful consequences for its residents.       Read More...

Washington, D.C. May 15, 2005—Texas today became the fourth state to pass asbestos and silica litigation reform legislation (S.B. 15), according to the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA).  The Senate concurred with a House amendment to the bill, which now goes to Gov. Rick Perry.

“We applaud the Texas Legislature for passing legislation that will unclog the court system and put an end to frivolous asbestos and silica claims,” said ATRA President Sherman Joyce.  “By establishing medical criteria and putting an end to the mass screening of patients, the legislation will ensure that the claims of the truly sick are given priority.”    View Press Release

Austin, TX  April 11, 2005 -- Gov. Rick Perry announced the launch of a television ad campaign, “Moving to Texas,” promoting Texas as the ideal location for growing and expanding businesses. In the ad, Gov. Perry gives reasons why Texas is a good state in which to do business and finishes by saying, "and we've passed sweeping lawsuit reform". 

“When we take progressive steps to secure new businesses for Texas, we also ensure new jobs for Texans,” Perry said. “These ads are letting employers all over the nation know that Texas is wide open for business and job creation.” 

The ads focus on Texas winning the coveted 2004 Governor’s Cup award for the largest number of job creation announcements in the country and its selection as the state with the best business climate in the nation. Both awards were given by Site Selection magazine, the premier business publication on job creation.  The two-week buy includes 95 spots per week on cable television in select markets and 15 spots per week on ABC in Washington, D.C. Total costs for the ad campaign are about $123,808, including production and air time.   Watch 30-second Ad

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