Ryan Patrick Fleming, a former candidate for the Nevada Assembly, has called for urgent tort reform in the state to address rising insurance premiums. Fleming made his statement in a social media post on March 10.
“Nevada desperately needs tort reform,” said Patrick Fleming. “Insurance premiums are out of control.”
Fleming’s remarks coincide with the introduction of Assembly Bill 523 (AB523), which seeks to curb increasing insurance costs by limiting the liability of ridesharing companies such as Uber for harm caused by drivers or passengers. The bill also proposes reducing the insurance coverage requirement for these companies from $1.5 million to $1 million. In return for expedited passage of the bill, Uber and the Nevada Justice Association, representing trial lawyers, have agreed not to pursue further legislative or ballot measures against each other for six years. This agreement follows prolonged political and legal disputes between Uber and trial lawyers over issues like attorney’s fees in civil cases.
While AB523 does not completely absolve Uber of liability, it provides protection against excessive lawsuits related to driver or passenger behavior for incidents occurring after October 1, 2025. The compromise is viewed as a step toward stabilizing the business environment for ridesharing companies while maintaining a minimum level of insurance coverage to protect citizens.
According to the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA), trial lawyers wield considerable influence over Nevada’s political landscape. ATRA reports that top plaintiffs’ firms have donated over $4.56 million to political campaigns since 2017, focusing particularly on candidates for judicial positions. Additionally, trial lawyers spent more than $137.2 million on over 1.6 million local legal ads in 2023, primarily targeting personal injury cases. ATRA President Tiger Joyce warned that these practices raise consumer concerns, distort public trust, and contribute to rising tort case costs, which in turn drive up premiums. Joyce said this system ultimately harms Nevada’s economy and leads to job losses.
Advocacy groups like Nevadans for Fair Recovery have emphasized the severe economic impact of lawsuit abuse on the state. They estimate that tort costs add approximately $1,042 per person annually in hidden costs and argue that lawsuit abuse contributes to a $3.6 billion drain on Nevada’s economy. These lawsuits are said to increase prices for essentials such as insurance, housing, and transportation, making it more challenging for Nevadans to afford everyday expenses.
Fleming is also recognized as a seasoned marketing and advertising executive with over 15 years of experience leading high-impact campaigns and strategic brand growth.
