**Philadelphia, Pennsylvania** has been highlighted in the latest *Judicial Hellhole* report by the American Tort Reform Foundation (ATRF). The report, released on Tuesday (December 10), criticizes the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for their roles in what it describes as excessive litigation and "nuclear verdicts"—jury awards exceeding $10 million.
The ATRF report points to the elimination of a key requirement by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, which has led to a surge in medical malpractice lawsuits and rising healthcare costs. According to the report, these legal practices contribute to a "tort tax" of $1,431 annually for Pennsylvania residents and result in the loss of over 171,000 jobs each year.
The report also notes that Philadelphia courts frequently issue large damage awards without thorough consideration. The ATRF has been publishing its *Judicial Hellholes* report annually since 2002, aiming to highlight jurisdictions where the civil justice system is perceived as unbalanced.
Luke Bernstein, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, commented on the report, stating that Pennsylvania's legal system is overly conducive to frivolous lawsuits. He emphasized the need for legal reforms to prevent lawsuit abuse while protecting the rights of legitimate plaintiffs.