Money, Money, Money….. Washington AG Increases Tort Claim Payouts

Ain’t it funny in a rich man  politician’s world?  ABBA, you may be onto something…. but we’re not joking around here at Project Lawsuit Abuse.

Under Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna, the state of Washington spent almost $300 million of taxpayer dollars to payout tort claims. According to a recent Associated Press article, that’s “$65 million more than was paid out” under the last Attorney General.

What’s so funny about this abuse of state funds?

In 2004, McKenna actually campaigned on the promise that he would reduce how taxpayer funding is paid out in lawsuits in Washington.  In reality, he increased it!  Looks like another case of politicians not living up to their promises.  McKenna does note that these payouts could be decreased if the state would pass liability limitation statutes.

At Project Lawsuit Abuse, we keep a close eye on what can go wrong when Attorneys General become cozy with the trial bar.  Remember West Virginia Attorney General McGraw?  Earlier this year, we brought you a story about how his office used state funds to produce fancy campaign-like videos.   Also, last month we reported that the Attorney General Association is funded largely by trial bar lawyers.  See a coincidence? 

Looks like someone is laughing all the way to the bank, but it sure isn’t us.