Legal system is hurting small businesses

Illinois has become a legal nightmare for small businesses like mine. Attorneys keep filing baseless lawsuits over alleged regulatory violations without realizing how they affect businesses. I work hard to ensure we produce quality work at Battaglia Industries, but that doesn’t stop lawyers from trying to make a quick buck at our expense.

Running a small business is tough already without the constant threat of lawsuits. Every time a business is sued, they’re forced to deal with the stacked costs, making it harder for companies to compete, grow, and create jobs. In Illinois, trial lawyers have the upper hand, and business owners keep paying the price. The legal system feels rigged against us, and without real change, it’s only going to get worse.

Illinois’ “Judicial Hellhole” status reinforces what we already know: Our state favors trial lawyers over job creators, and the problem continues to worsen in the legislature.

Instead of fixing the problem, lawmakers are pushing bills like HB 1154, which would expand lawsuit abuse by increasing damages and driving up costs. This would force small business owners to devote resources to legal fees instead of product innovation.

If Illinois truly wants to attract and retain businesses, lawmakers must reform our legal system this legislative session. Without meaningful action, small businesses will continue to suffer under a legal environment that prioritizes lawsuits over livelihoods.

Keith Battaglia

Cary