Lauren Zelt, executive director of Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT), announced that PACT's new digital campaign aims to empower Californians who feel exploited by personal injury attorneys they hired during times of crisis. Zelt made this statement in a press release on March 21.
"PACT's new digital campaign aims to empower Californians who feel exploited and victimized by the very people they hired to represent them," said Zelt. "Too often, however, vulnerable individuals hire personal injury attorneys and end up in more debt with worse pain than when they started the legal process. PACT wants to elevate and give voice to these individuals."
According to the press release, PACT has expanded into California to address predatory personal injury law practices. The campaign targets aggressive tactics used by "billboard attorneys" that often leave clients in high-interest debt, contributing to rising costs and eroding trust in the legal system. PACT's efforts include digital outreach, grassroots organizing, and polling, with a recent survey indicating that 70% of voters believe lawsuit abuse drives up prices.
The American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) reports that in 2023, personal injury law dominated California’s legal advertising scene, accounting for over 61% of total ad spending. Product liability ads constituted a smaller but significant portion, with millions spent on tens of thousands of ads addressing issues like recalled vehicles, faulty medical devices, and drug-related lawsuits.
As per GBLegal, California has experienced an increase in personal injury cases, leading to concerns about the impact on the legal system and insurance industry. This surge has contributed to a backlog in courts and rising insurance premiums, affecting both plaintiffs and defendants.
According to PACT's website, Zelt is the executive director of Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT). With over 15 years of experience in public affairs, she previously founded and led Zelt Communications, specializing in strategic communications and public relations.