What is Venue Shopping?

What is venue shopping in personal injury law?

Venue shopping, also called forum shopping, is the practice of choosing a court location believed to be most favorable to a party’s case. Lawyers may seek out jurisdictions known for higher plaintiff verdicts, more favorable procedural rules, or sympathetic juries. While it can be a strategic tool, it’s controversial because critics see it as exploiting the system rather than seeking a fair trial location. Courts and legislatures have taken steps to limit venue shopping through jurisdictional rules.

• Choosing favorable court locations.
  
  
• Also called forum shopping.
  
  
• Often linked to jury tendencies or local laws.
  
  
• Controversial but sometimes legally permitted.
  
  

When does venue shopping occur?

It often happens when a case can be filed in more than one proper location — for example, where the defendant lives, where the injury occurred, or where a business operates. Attorneys may weigh factors like speed of trial, court backlogs, and prior verdict trends when deciding where to file.

• When multiple venues are legally proper.
  
  
• Considers jury history and verdict size.
  
  
• Looks at court efficiency.
  
  
• Uses legal flexibility to a client’s advantage.
  
  

Why is venue shopping used in personal injury cases?

A favorable venue can dramatically affect settlement negotiations and trial outcomes. Plaintiffs may secure larger settlements simply because defendants want to avoid trial in a plaintiff-friendly jurisdiction. Defendants, in turn, often try to move cases to what they see as more neutral venues.

• Can increase settlement leverage.
  
  
• May influence trial outcomes.
  
  
• Affects case strategy from the start.
  
  
• Used by both plaintiffs and defendants.
  
  

Are there limits to venue shopping?

Yes. Courts can transfer cases if they believe the chosen venue is inappropriate or inconvenient for the parties and witnesses. Many states also have laws restricting the practice, especially in cases with minimal connection to the chosen location.

• Courts can transfer cases.
  
  
• Laws limit abuse of venue choice.
  
  
• Must have a legitimate connection to venue.
  
  
• Restrictions vary by jurisdiction.
  
  

Conclusion:
Venue shopping can be a powerful legal strategy in personal injury cases, but it’s closely watched by courts to prevent abuse and ensure fairness.