Americans firmly believe that lawsuit abuse is a problem in our country,according to a survey released this week by the American Tort Reform Association and Sick of Lawsuits. What’s more, the poll found that Americans believe lawsuit abuse is hurting the economy’s ability to create jobs and spur economic growth.

The survey, found that almost 9 in 10 voters feel lawsuit abuse is a problem, and that 78 percent believe there are too many lawsuits in the U. S. Whether it is large companies facing class action lawsuits or small businesses getting hit with “gotcha lawsuits” for a quick payday, Americans believe lawsuit abuse is stifling economic growth and costing American jobs.

The poll also found that 72 percent agree “Our country’s liability lawsuit system makes it harder for employers to do business and succeed,” and 88 percent want safeguards put in place to protect small businesses from frivolous lawsuits that could put them out of business.

These results mirror California CALA’s recent poll of California voters, which also found huge majorities of voters believe abusive lawsuits are hurting our economy.

Now more than ever – with the national unemployment rate over 8 percent, and California’s much higher – it’s time we instituted protections against abusive lawsuits that prevent job growth and economic recovery. Our leaders should be focused on creating jobs, not lawsuits.