Tort reform laws have been enacted in 18 states this year, most of which favor big business, a representative for the American Tort Reform Association said.

The new laws implement changes such as a limit on how class-action suits may be filed, a ban on liability for property owners when trespassers suffer injuries on their property and a ban on product liability lawsuits against sellers of defective products who were not responsible for the manufacture of the products.

The most drastic and wide-reaching legislation has been passed in states where Republicans gained power after last year's elections.

Republicans argue that tort reform laws can help businesses reduce costs and ultimately create more jobs.