Lauren Zelt, Executive Director of Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT), has expressed concerns over excessive litigation impacting small businesses and consumers. She emphasized the need for reform to protect the American dream in a recent press release.
"Many businesses in the United States are one lawsuit away from closing their doors," said Zelt. "PACT encourages policies that foster the American dream, not stifle it, and the only way to protect small businesses and consumers alike is to achieve meaningful lawsuit abuse reform."
According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, "social inflation"—fueled by larger jury awards, attorney advertising, and litigation funding—has increased costs in sectors such as commercial auto, product liability, and Directors & Officers (D&O) insurance. These pressures have led to elevated premiums and operating expenses across the United States.
The National Federation of Independent Business’s 2024 Problems and Priorities survey of 2,873 owners revealed that the "Cost and Availability of Liability Insurance" remains a significant concern. Additionally, 6% of respondents identified "Costs and Frequency of Lawsuits" as critical issues. The findings suggest that litigation costs primarily burden small firms through higher insurance rates rather than direct legal action.
Liability insurance costs for small businesses have been on the rise. According to the Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers’ Q2 2025 Commercial Property/Casualty Market Index, average commercial premiums increased by 3.7% year over year. Umbrella and excess lines saw an increase of 11.5%, marking the 28th consecutive quarter of premium hikes. Analysts attribute much of this growth to rising litigation frequency and severity.
Zelt's role at PACT involves promoting transparency in the legal system and consumer affordability. Her background includes founding her own public relations firm and holding senior communications positions at FP1 Strategies and national political organizations.
Protecting American Consumers Together is a 501(c)(4) advocacy group dedicated to consumer protection and lawsuit reform. According to its official site, PACT was established to strengthen the legal system, oppose predatory personal-injury practices, and educate the public through nationwide campaigns under an executive-director structure.
