ILLINOIS LAWSUIT COSTS FAR EXCEED NEIGHBORING STATES

A recent study released by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform highlights that Illinois residents faced the highest lawsuit-related costs in the region during 2022. The average cost per household reached $4,281, totaling an estimated $21.3 billion statewide. In comparison, neighboring states such as Wisconsin, Iowa, Kentucky, and Indiana all posted much lower per-household costs, each falling below the $3,000 mark. Missouri households paid $3,387 on average. The report, citing research from the Brattle Group, suggests Illinois’ legal expenses significantly outpace those of surrounding states, raising questions about the state’s litigation climate.