A newly filed proposed CA ballot initiative would give injured patients more money in med-mal lawsuits.

A statewide ballot initiative was filed by families of injured patients that would raise the compensation cap on medical negligence set by politicians in 1975 and never adjusted.

"Job and education level are being used as proxies for race and class" says Consumer Watchdog Executive Director Carmen Balber. Drivers working blue-collar jobs, without college degrees or those who live in less affluent neighborhoods are being discriminated against and end up paying more for their car insurance.

Car suppliers – like Harman International – and major automakers are spending more than they ever have on securing vehicles. But a Consumer Watchdog study says safety concerns related to connected cars are only increasing. Others in the auto industry say those fears may be overblown.

Jamie Court says a portion of the unclaimed CRV deposits currently held by the state should be allocated to keeping recycling centers open and accessible to consumers. Just 10 to 20 million of the $300 million in unclaimed deposits would help keep centers afloat. 

Consumer Watchdog President Jamie Court Discusses the recent turmoil at LADWP and questions whether the recent changes and new leadership be enough to truly reform the utility organization. 

A man posed as a surgical assistant in the hospital operating room at several hospitals and stole from patients and employees. The police were not able to find any kind of licensing, credentials or qualifications. Consumer Watchdog President Jamie Court says hospitals are responsible for everyone they bring in as a contractor. 

Californians living in high fire danger areas are facing an insurance crisis as companies are drastically increasing their rates or dropping their policies completely. 

Consumer Watchdog President Jamie Court says Insurance Commissioner Lara can do more to prevent discrimination against people and protect Californians in high fire risk areas with his regulatory powers. 

Homeowners in high fire risk areas are experiencing insurance premium increases of up to 4 times more expensive, some not being renewed at all.