Florida – 9th Circuit 21.8%, Statewide 12.1%
USA Nationwide – 12.1%
You might be surprised at how high the risk actually is! In our previous discussion, we explored why LLCs and Limited Partnerships offer better asset protection compared to revocable trusts and umbrella policies. This week, we delve into the statistics that highlight why so many individuals and businesses are turning to these asset protection strategies. The data presented here is analyzed on a per capita basis and evenly distributed across various jurisdictions. Certain professions and family scenarios inherently carry a higher risk of litigation, such as those involving families with teen or elderly drivers, medical and legal professionals, and real estate owners or landlords. Naturally, having fewer interactions with the community can reduce the likelihood of facing a civil lawsuit.
In Florida, civil lawsuits start in either a circuit trial court or each county’s own court. The KLR Law Firm is situated in Florida’s 9th Judicial Circuit, which is comprised of both Orange and Osceola counties. According to the US Census Bureau’s data from 2020, the population of the 9th Circuit was 1,818,064. According to flcourts.gov FY22-23 statistics, there were 396,820 civil lawsuits filed in both the county courts and the Circuit court, making the per capita chance of being sued if you live in either of these counties 21.8%.
Statewide, according to US Census Bureau data from 2020, Florida’s population stood at 21,328,187. In FY22-23, there were 2,615,575 civil lawsuits filed between all circuit and county courts, for a 12.1% per capita chance of being sued.
While the likelihood of facing a civil lawsuit in Florida is notably high, these figures can vary significantly from one state to another. For instance, New Hampshire presents a stark contrast. In 2020, only 1,180 civil lawsuits were filed across a population of 1,377,529, resulting in a per capita chance of being sued at just 0.08%. This comparatively low risk reflects New Hampshire’s smaller population and possibly differing legal climate, underscoring how geographic and demographic factors can influence litigation risks across the United States. According to One Legal, there are an estimated 40 million civil lawsuits filed each year in both federal and state courts nationwide. With the U.S. population standing at 331,449,281 according to the 2020 Census, this translates to a per capita chance of being sued nationwide at 12.1% in a given year. This national perspective highlights the pervasive nature of civil litigation in the U.S., despite the significant variations between states.
While these statistics are not intended to alarm anyone, they do underscore the importance of being prepared for potential legal challenges. If you feel at risk of being sued, The KLR Law Firm can assist in reducing your chances with a proactive asset protection strategy. We encourage you to reach out to us for a free consultation to explore how we can help safeguard your assets and provide peace of mind in an increasingly litigious environment.
