Assessing Colorado’s Economic Competitiveness Growth of Legal Expenses: 43 and Counting
This report is part of a series by CSI analyzing aspects of Colorado’s economic competitiveness. It examines the recent proliferation of legislative measures which create or expand civil causes of action, how those measures can add and shift costs within the economy, and the resulting impact on the cost of living and doing business in our state. It also compares the evolving litigation landscape in Colorado with those in selected other states, providing insight into Colorado’s future prospects for remaining economically competitive nationally.
A civil action is a noncriminal lawsuit that usually involves private parties but can also involve enforcement by the government, often via lawsuits brought by attorneys general or district attorneys. Typical civil causes of action include breaches of contract, torts (including assault, fraud, libel, product liability, malpractice, and nuisance), and violations of certain statutes and constitutional rights. The most common remedy in civil cases is monetary damages.