Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT) has announced the expansion of its digital advertising campaign targeting exploitative personal injury law practices in California. This development was communicated in a press release dated March 21.
According to the press release, PACT's decision to expand into California is driven by growing concerns over aggressive legal marketing and lending practices by personal injury attorneys. The organization argues that these practices can result in vulnerable clients accruing significant debt and diminishing public trust in the legal system. This initiative in California follows similar campaigns launched by PACT in other states to combat what it describes as "billboard attorney" exploitation.
The Hartford reports that abuse within the legal system contributes to increased tort system costs, which amounted to $443 billion in 2020, approximately $3,600 per U.S. household. This figure is comparable to several months' worth of car, grocery, or mortgage payments. In addition to the rise of "nuclear verdicts"—awards exceeding $10 million—which have surged by 27.5% in less than a decade, inflated jury awards are becoming more common and are driving up prices across various sectors. Furthermore, third-party investors invested $22 billion into litigation in 2023, transforming lawsuits into profit-driven ventures and fueling $1.4 billion in legal advertising aimed at encouraging more claims.
Billboard advertisements for personal injury lawyers have proliferated throughout Los Angeles due to reduced advertising costs during the pandemic and a drive for brand recognition. As industries curtailed spending, lawyers capitalized on lower billboard rates, with some firms now allocating millions monthly to compete with well-known names like Jacob Emrani and Sweet James. According to the Los Angeles Times, outdoor legal ads are highly visible in L.A., where nearly two-thirds of consumers recall seeing them and over 40% engage with them.
PACT is a 501(c)(4) advocacy group dedicated to defending the rights of plaintiffs, victims, and consumers. Through education and reform efforts, PACT aims to promote a fair legal system that safeguards against predatory practices while fostering public trust.