Avi Sinai, an attorney with Sinai Law, has raised concerns over Colorado’s liability rules, suggesting they are increasing costs and promoting quick settlements. He has called for tort reforms to address what he describes as lawsuit abuse. This statement was made on the social media platform X.
“the main problem are the laws,” said Sinai. “1 minor violation and it triggers attorney’s fees, statutory fees, damages, back rent… that’s why the insurance is settling. we need reform, it’s getting worse and worse.”
Colorado recently overhauled key tort rules in 2024, sparking debate about the potential impact of larger payouts on settlements and insurance affordability. According to the Colorado General Assembly, House Bill 24-1472 raises the cap on noneconomic damages in most tort and wrongful-death actions to $1.5 million, with adjustments for inflation, and broadens the scope of who may sue in certain death cases. Proponents argue that these changes offer better compensation for severe harms, while critics caution that higher caps could influence settlement values and increase premiums.
The Colorado Judicial Branch reports a heavy case volume but does not release statewide average settlement figures due to the private nature of most agreements. In fiscal year 2024, there were 573,834 total state-court filings across various case types, reflecting a busy docket that affects settlement timing and leverage. These figures come from an official analysis of pro se activity by the branch.
In 2023, Colorado’s auto insurance costs surpassed those of many neighboring states. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) reported that Colorado’s combined average premium reached $1,655.30 in 2023, up from $1,446.22 in 2022. In contrast, nearby states had lower premiums: Utah at $1,284.66; Wyoming at $1,180.21; New Mexico at $1,301.12; Nebraska at $1,183.72; and Kansas at $1,181.74. The NAIC notes that state-to-state comparisons reflect differences in tort laws, weather conditions, and purchasing patterns.
Sinai is based in Santa Monica as the principal of Sinai Law and is a California-licensed attorney specializing in real estate and business matters. According to his firm’s official biography, Sinai began practicing law in 2011 after graduating from UC Law SF (formerly UC Hastings). His practice includes landlord-tenant disputes, evictions, transactions, escrow disputes, and broker litigation.
