McKenna speaks out against expanding lawsuit settlements

In an interview with Legal News Line, state Attorney General Rob McKenna discussed the issue of tort claims against the state. McKenna argued that settlements have become too high, with the state doling out $500M over 25 years according to the AG, at the expense of state services that would otherwise use the money.

"There are basically no boundaries or limits on claims that are brought against state taxpayers by a tort claimant," said McKenna. "We're far away from where the Legislature intended when they repealed sovereign immunity"

The Attorney General went on to say that he had proposed legislation to limit settlements in the past, but he would hesitate to do so in the future without some knowledge that the Democratic state legislature and Governor would give the ideas dues consideration.