The Missouri Senate advanced its version of HB 339, a bill that addresses “trick bag” agreements between plaintiffs’ attorneys and defendants against the defendants’ insurance companies, and time limited demands for settlement that are presented without sufficient information to evaluate the claim. Senator Caleb Rowden (R-Columbia) handled the bill in the Senate. The House sponsor is Rep. Bruce DeGroot (R-Chesterfield).
Associated Industries of Missouri worked hard with insurance companies to arrive at compromise language that was included in the bill. The bill should help prevent plaintiff’s attorneys from abusing the system, while protecting the rights of employers that may have disputes with their insurance companies.
The changes must be accepted by the House or differences resolved before the bill is finally passed.