Jeanette Hoffman, executive director of Patients Come First New Jersey, has raised concerns about aggressive trial lawyer advertisements in the state. She argues that these ads use fear to drive lawsuits rather than protect health and calls for reforms to ensure residents can access proper medical care.
"Backed by the aggressive campaigns of trial lawyers, these ads are less about public health and more concerned with targeting health care products with fear-mongering ads to incentivize the filing of high-volume lawsuit claims," said Hoffman. "Backed by the aggressive campaigns of trial lawyers, these ads are less about public health and more concerned with targeting health care products with fear-mongering ads to incentivize the filing of high-volume lawsuit claims. Clearly, reform of this industry is needed to ensure New Jerseyans get the innovative treatments and care they deserve. Patients Come First New Jersey is dedicated to ensuring health care is driven by science without misleading barriers or delays to innovation."
According to Hoffman, lawsuit advertisements in New Jersey often mislead patients by exaggerating the risks of FDA-approved medications. This misleading information can cause patients to stop treatment without consulting their doctors, potentially leading to serious harm or even death. She claims these ads are framed as public service announcements but are actually legal marketing strategies designed to solicit mass tort claims, with lawyers earning large portions of settlements. Hoffman believes such ads damage patient-doctor trust and result in fear-driven decisions. Furthermore, she suggests that the threat of mass litigation discourages pharmaceutical innovation, as companies become hesitant to invest in new treatments.
A study from the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform indicates that New Jersey’s tort system costs exceed $5,500 per household, placing it among the highest in the nation. The report attributes these high costs to the state's expansive liability environment and the significant influence of the plaintiffs’ bar.
The American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) reported that lawyers in New Jersey spent $105.3 million on legal services advertisements in 2023. ATRA President Sherman "Tiger" Joyce said that trial lawyers continue to invest heavily in advertising because acquiring more clients allows them to boost settlements and payouts when targeting large corporations, ultimately increasing their contingency fees. Joyce added that these large advertising campaigns are another aggressive tactic employed by trial lawyers to solicit clients, often utilizing dubious claims. He noted that due to the costs associated with these excessive lawsuits, each New Jersey resident pays an extra "tax" of approximately $1,757 annually.
The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) and Munich Re US released a survey showing that most Americans believe certain plaintiff lawyer tactics contribute to rising insurance and consumer goods costs. The Harris Poll revealed that 69% think third-party litigation funding (TPLF) and jury anchoring increase insurance costs, while 66% say these practices raise prices for everyday items. Additionally, 77% agree that allowing foreign investors to participate in TPLF could pose a national security threat.
Hoffman is also a seasoned public affairs consultant with over 20 years of experience in advocacy, policy, and state government. She serves as president of a public affairs firm specializing in strategic messaging, crisis communications, and media relations and frequently comments on politics and public policy on national TV and radio.
