Reflections on the Tort Reform Panel: Protecting South Carolina’s Citizens
The week before last, I had the privilege of participating in a thought-provoking panel discussion on tort reform hosted by Anderson University at the City Club in Greenville. As the previous President of the South Carolina Association for Justice and a partner at KD Trial Lawyers, I felt it was crucial to contribute to this important conversation about Senate Bill 244 and its potential impact on our state’s citizens and clients.
The Panel Discussion
The event, titled “Tort Reform: A Solution to Rising Insurance Costs?”, brought together diverse perspectives on this contentious issue. Dr. Steve Nail, Dean of the Anderson University College of Business, skillfully moderated our discussion, which included insights from Steve Burritt of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Eric H. Philpot from the Philpot Law Firm, Representative Neal Collins from SC House District 5, and Brian Greene of Morgan Square Hospitality Group.
Throughout the evening, we explored the complex relationship between tort reform, insurance premiums, and access to justice. The timing couldn’t have been more relevant, as S.244 has been making its way through the legislative process with significant debate and amendments since January.
The Heart of the Matter
As an attorney who has dedicated my career to fighting for injured clients, I’ve seen firsthand how critical our civil justice system is for everyday South Carolinians. The proposed tort reform bill would fundamentally alter how fault is assigned in liability cases and potentially reduce accountability for businesses facing dram shop violations.
During the panel, I emphasized that the “compromise” amendment proposed in March doesn’t address the core concerns many of us have about protecting citizens’ rights. While proponents argue these changes will lower insurance rates, the evidence for this claim remains questionable at best.
Why This Matters to South Carolinians
In my years of practice at KD Trial Lawyers, I’ve secured a large number of settlements for clients who suffered life-altering injuries through no fault of their own. These aren’t just statistics – they represent real people whose lives depend on fair compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing care.
The proposed reforms could reduce fair compensation for South Carolina residents. As I shared with the audience, this strikes at the heart of what I believe as an attorney: that hard work gets good results, and that our legal system should provide equal access to justice for all.
Moving Forward Together
While the panel revealed differing viewpoints on tort reform, we found common ground in our concern for South Carolina’s future. As the bill continues through the House Judiciary Committee, I encourage all citizens to stay informed and make their voices heard.
As I often tell my clients at KD Trial Lawyers, the legal system works best when it balances the interests of all parties while ensuring that those who have been wronged have a path to justice. Any reform that undermines this principle deserves our careful scrutiny.
I’m grateful to Anderson University for hosting this important discussion and to my fellow panelists for their thoughtful contributions. As both the tort reform debate and S.244 continue to evolve, I remain committed to advocating for the rights of injured South Carolinians and ensuring our civil justice system remains accessible to all.
About the Author
Tom A. Killoren Jr. is a partner at KD Trial Lawyers in Spartanburg, SC, and served as the previous President of the South Carolina Association for Justice for 2023/2024. He has received a consecutive AV® Preeminent™ Rating from Martindale Hubbell® since 2013 and was selected to the South Carolina Super Lawyers List many times.
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