1999 Lawsuit Reforms
Juror Protection
For a summary of lawsuit reforms adopted in 1999 follow the links below:

Y2K
Contingency Fee Contracts With State Government
Gun Maker Lawsuits
Honest Job References
Legal Self-Help
Juror Protection
Good Samaritan Law/Charitable Immunity
Good Samaritan Law/Defibrillator Use

Lawmakers made it a crime for businesses to fire employees who are summoned to jury duty. The new law allows the fired juror to sue their employer for reinstatement plus up to five years’ back pay. The legislation was sparked after a Dallas woman was fired by her boss in December when she refused to skip jury duty as he requested.

Previously, an employee could collect up to six months back pay if fired for performing jury duty.

The new law allows the courts to punish by contempt, an employer who terminates an employee for performing jury duty or takes any other measures intending to dissuade an employee from performing jury duty.


Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse
2500 City West Boulevard, Suite 300 • Houston, Texas 77042
E-mail: sosueme@calahouston.org • Administrative: (713) 267-2302 • Fax: (713) 267-2267