Dear Friends and Members,

Last month, Maurice Greenberg, chairman of AIG, the world's largest insurer, referred to trial lawyers as "terrorists", a particularly egregious comment in light of the unprecedented pro bono effort by trial lawyers to aid the victims of the September 11 tragedy. Unfortunately, Greenberg's remarks are indicative of the assault perpetrated on our profession and the victims we represent. In order to combat this hostile attack, it is more important than ever that you become involved in helping to defend consumer rights.

OMNIBUS MED MAL BILL INTRODUCED IN STATE LEGISLATURE: A.9599 / S.469-a, a medical malpractice bill introduced in the state Legislature, would eviscerate the rules that apply to malpractice and other personal injury cases and deprive an injured party of the right to use the civil justice system to obtain a fair recovery. While the bill is called the "Medical Liability Reform Act", some of its most virulently anti-consumer provisions - including a cap of $250,000 on non-economic damages - apply to all personal injury actions. The bill's Assembly sponsors include Sandy Galef (D-Ossining), William Magee (D-Oneida), Robin Schimminger (D-Kenmore), Richard Smith (D-Blasell) and Darryl Towns (D-Brooklyn). The Senate sponsor is Kemp Hannon (R-Garden City). NYSTLA is aggressively opposing this legislation.

FEDERAL GUN BILL DEFEATED IN US SENATE: S. 1805, a bill granting sweeping immunity to the gun industry against lawsuits brought by municipalities and victims of gun violence, was defeated in the U.S. Senate. Republicans abruptly dropped their support of the bill after amendments extending a ban on assault weapons and a provision requiring background checks at gun shows were added to the bill. The bill was defeated 90 to 8. Thank you to everyone who sent letters using NYSTLA's Legislative Action Center.

-- Martin W. Edelman, President