10:06am: Talkline with Hoppy Kercheval

Trial attorney group president dismisses recent CALA poll

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The president of the West Virginia Association for Justice, a group made up of trial attorneys, is dismissing a recent poll from West Virginia Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse.

“Every time they run a poll, they run a push poll.  They ask questions that are designed to elicit a specific answer,” said Bernie Layne with the law firm of Mani, Ellis & Layne.  “They won’t show us their poll.  They won’t show us their sample size.  They won’t tell us what they’re questions are.”

In the poll MBE Research conducted for WV CALA, 98 percent of respondents listed jobs and the economy as their top priorities and 48 percent said they did not think those issues were adequately addressed during the 2014 Regular Legislative Session.

The survey, which largely focused on West Virginia’s legal climate, also found 38 percent of those participating said they believe lawsuit reforms would have a positive impact on the state’s economy and job market, while 53 percent supported the creation of an intermediate court and 51 percent said lawsuits hurt job creation in West Virginia.

Layne said the source of the poll should be considered.  “Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse touts themselves to be a grassroots organization.  They’re not,” said Layne.

“What they are is an astroturf organization that’s comprised of corporations that include tobacco, insurance, oil and gas, chemical and pharmaceutical companies, medical associations, automobile manufacturers.”

A total of 401 interviews with West Virginia voters were conducted from March 17-18 for the WV CALA poll.  According to MBE Research, the survey has a 4.9 percent margin of error.





More News

News
MetroNews This Morning 3-29-24
Summary of West Virginia news, sports, and weather for Friday, March 29, 2024
March 29, 2024 - 6:24 am
News
Dunlow Volunteer Fire Department closes
The Dunlow VFD did not have a valid workers compensation insurance policy.
March 29, 2024 - 1:23 am
News
As Yeager Airport's Wildlife Patrol Dog turns 7, a new dog comes in to learn from him
The new Border Collie is getting acclimated and receiving training for his soon-to-be role.
March 28, 2024 - 6:30 pm
News
PEIA examines financial effects of new law meant to ensure local pharmacies get fair reimbursements
Gov. Jim Justice signed Senate Bill 453 into law this week.
March 28, 2024 - 4:11 pm


Your Comments