Alabama families are feeling the squeeze. Prices at the pump, at the grocery store and on utility bills keep creeping higher. While inflation may have cooled on paper, the realities at checkout counters prove otherwise. Lawsuit abuse is still fueling these higher costs, making it harder for families to make ends meet.

Think of every step that goes into delivering a product to you. From manufacturing to shipping to stocking shelves, every piece of the puzzle is incurring some form of legal protection cost. Truckers have ever-increasing insurance premiums to account for increasing lawsuits. Small businesses like hardware stores or markets are one lawsuit away from shutting down. To account for increased insurance, these stores must raise prices on consumers. We can call these increased costs a "tort tax." It's passed along to you and me. When lawsuits are filed for profit rather than legitimate concerns, it warps our entire system, driving up the expense of everything.

In states like Florida, tort reform efforts have shown results in reducing frivolous lawsuits and helping drive down costs. Florida's successful reform efforts have driven down auto insurance rates and dramatically reduced the number of frivolous lawsuits. Alabama can replicate that success and provide relief to consumers. Think about all the TV ads we see trying to get us to call a lawyer for some great amount of money. You and I pay for that cost that in many cases is not real or necessary.

Cutting back on shady legal practices can lead to lower premiums for insurance policies and fewer costs hidden in everyday goods. If we want to keep the cost of living in check, backing lawsuit reform is essential.

We must remember: lawsuit reform isn't about coddling powerful business interests. It's about standing up for honest businesses, everyday consumers and families trying to balance their budgets. Without meaningful changes, we will continue to see skyrocketing costs in everything from food to insurance premiums. We can't afford to wait. Our neighbors need relief now, and stopping lawsuit abuse is a critical step in giving consumers the break they deserve.

Fred Crawford served in association management for 30 years and four years working in the governor's office and the Alabama Secretary of State's office. He worked in economic development in Alabama for five years. He is now retired and living in Fairhope.