Towers is forecasting growth in U.S. tort costs of 4.0% in 2008, with higher growth (5.0%) in 2009 and 2010. There are several issues that will impact the future trends in U.S. tort costs, including:
the change in administration as well as shifts in the U.S Congressional makeup.  This may well lead to modifications in the federal government’s behavior and attitudes toward litigation.

Other emerging issues noted by the report:  global warming and obesity continue to be potential areas for significant tort costs, they say, as well as claims related to data security breaches.