Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse announced that Madison and St. Clair Counties in Illinois are seeing a surge in baby formula lawsuits, according to the American Tort Reform Foundation’s 2025–2026 Judicial Hellholes report.
According to the organization, this increase in lawsuits is overwhelming Illinois courts and poses risks to evidence-based medicine and essential formula for premature infants. The report highlights Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse’s efforts to raise awareness about issues within the civil justice system.
Cook, Madison, and St. Clair Counties rank seventh on the 2025-2026 Judicial Hellholes list due to plaintiff-friendly practices attracting asbestos and baby formula cases. In 2024, these counties handled over 47 percent of U.S. asbestos filings, with Madison County alone managing 882 cases. Additionally, more than 90 percent of national claims against a major formula manufacturer occur in Madison and St. Clair Counties.
The U.S. tort system costs reached $529 billion in 2022, equating to over $4,200 per household. This figure represents approximately 2 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) and has grown at an average annual rate of 7.1 percent from 2016 to 2022, surpassing inflation rates. A study by the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform suggests that these rising costs impact businesses and consumers across the nation.
Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse functions as a nonpartisan grassroots movement uniting citizens and businesses to address lawsuit abuse in the United States. It acts as a watchdog identifying abuses within the civil justice system while informing the public about the financial burdens imposed on Americans. The organization aims to promote responsible legal practices prioritizing justice over profit.
