Desert Living Now
Desert Living: Report Examines Alleged Lawsuit Abuse and Fraudulent Injury Claims
A new report is examining alleged fraudulent accident and injury claims across the country as part of Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week.
Tiger Joyce, president of the American Tort Reform Foundation, joined Desert Living to discuss the report, which examines nearly 200 racketeering lawsuits involving allegations of staged accidents and fraudulent injury claims.
Joyce said the foundation estimates that lawsuit abuse costs the average California family of four more than $10,000 annually. He argued that businesses facing increased litigation costs may pass those expenses on to consumers through higher prices.
The report focuses on cases involving alleged fraud rings, in which multiple people or entities are accused of working together to pursue fraudulent claims.
Joyce discussed the use of Civil RICO, a federal law originally enacted to combat organized crime. The law allows civil claims against individuals or entities accused of participating in certain patterns of racketeering activity when the legal requirements are met.
According to Joyce, businesses and insurers are using these legal tools to pursue remedies against alleged coordinated fraud. He said companies need opportunities to investigate suspected fraud and seek accountability through the courts.
Joyce also outlined the financial consequences of litigation, arguing that businesses may struggle to absorb rising costs or may pass them along to customers. He said those expenses can affect both consumers and businesses operating in an increasingly expensive environment.
The American Tort Reform Foundation's report and additional information about its recommendations are available at StopCourtFraud.com.
The foundation advocates for changes to the civil justice system. Its cost estimates and conclusions reflect the organization's position on litigation and tort reform.
By: NBC Palm Springs
October 13, 2026
Lawsuit Abuse Awareness WeekTiger JoyceAmerican Tort Reform Foundationlawsuit abuseCivil RICOfraudulent injury claimsstaged accidentsinsurance fraudlitigation costsCalifornia consumersStopCourtFraudcomDesert LivingNBC Palm Springs
Link Copied To Clipboard!
Latest Instagram Posts
138
BREAKING: NBC News projects Democrats have won control of the House. A major Election Night shift in Washington as Democrats secure control of the House of Representatives, changing the balance of power in Congress. What does this mean for President Trump’s agenda and the next two years in Washington? Stay with NBC Palm Springs for continuing Election Night coverage. #ElectionNight #Midterms2026 #Democrats #HouseOfRepresentatives ElectionResults NBCPalmSprin
138
Election Day is officially here and we’re closely tracking your Coachella Valley local races. Our @newsbyalondra is keeping a close eye on the city of Coachella’s mayoral and city council races. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs on air and online for your latest election coverage.
31
The California State Assembly District 36 race heats up between Jeff Gonzalez and Dr. Ida Obeso-Martinez, and we have all the coverage here and on nbcpalmsprings.com #election2026 #nbcpalmsprings #district36 #fyp
14
Thinking about installing solar? Watch this before you pull your permits! ⚠️ #therogginreport #coachellavalley #solar #solarpanels #nbcpalmsprings
40
Election Night is underway in the Coachella Valley! 🗳️ @maria_nvtv is live in Old Town La Quinta, tracking the competitive race for California’s Assembly District 47 as incumbent Greg Wallis and challenger Leila Nemvar make their final push for voters. Follow along as we bring you the latest on the candidates, results and what’s at stake for our community! #ElectionNight #CaliforniaPolitics #CoachellaValley #Election2026 #NBCPalmSprings
7
The holidays should be a time for joy, but they can also bring stress, loneliness and added pressure. 🎄 How do you protect your mental and physical health during the busy holiday season? Dr. Joseph Aquilina, Chief Medical Officer at DAP Health, shares practical advice on setting boundaries, managing holiday stress, navigating difficult family dynamics, eating and drinking mindfully, and making time for the people and activities that bring you joy. His biggest reminders? It’s OK to say no, give yourself permission to feel your feelings, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. And as we head into 2027, it’s also a great time to check in on your health screenings and make sure your vaccines are up to date. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 for support. #DAPHealth #HolidayHealth #MentalHealthMatters #HolidayStress #DrJosephAquilina CoachellaValley PalmSprings NBCPalmSprings
106
Early morning voters speak to CNN’s Ryan Young about what has motivated them to come to the ballot box in Dunwoody, Georgia.
256
Yolanda Renee King, the only grandchild of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., told CNN that she has been waiting for the day she can finally vote for “as long as I can remember.”
29
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
75
Election Day is TOMORROW! But, there’s still plenty of time to cast your vote. NBC Palm Spring’s @maria_nvtv is telling you the top 3 things you need to know. #ElectionDay #Vote2026 #CaliforniaPolitics #CoachellaValley #NBCPalmSprings