COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster and Lieutenant Governor Pamela S. Evette were joined today by members of the General Assembly and the business community for a ceremonial bill signing of H. 3430, Tort Reform and Liquor Liability. The commonsense bill enacts significant reforms to South Carolina’s joint and several liability laws, addresses rising insurance costs for businesses, and establishes new safety and insurance requirements for establishments that serve alcohol.
“In March, we called on the General Assembly to take bold action on tort reform by finding a commonsense solution that provides accountability, certainty, and just compensation without damaging our economy. Today, we gathered back together to celebrate this great victory,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “Getting to this day was not easy, at times disagreements and obstacles seemed impossible to overcome, rhetoric was sharp, emotions ran hot, and tempers flared, but with a spirit and determination as indomitable as has ever been seen in this Capitol, our legislative leaders persevered.”
The new law allows defendants in civil cases to have nonparty-tortfeasors (individuals or entities not named in the lawsuit) included on the verdict form for the jury to consider when assigning fault. If the jury finds that a nonparty’s conduct contributed to the plaintiff’s injury, that nonparty may be apportioned a percentage of fault, reducing the liability of the defendant…