results of tort reform on state level are coming in
California
California Malpractice Law Reduces Attorney's Fees
Monday, July 12, 2004
WASHINGTON ? California's medical malpractice (search) law, cited as a model by President Bush, has reduced awards in malpractice trials by an average 30 percent, according to a study released Monday.
But because the landmark law capped attorney fees as well as jury awards, the net recovery by injured patients and their families fell only 15 percent, the study said. Payments to plaintiffs' lawyers dropped 60 percent.
The study by the Rand Corp. (search), a Santa Monica, Calif., think tank, looked only at how California's 1975 law affected payments in cases that went to trial. It did not look at whether the lower awards reduced malpractice insurance premiums for doctors or medical bills for consumers. Proponents argue that curbing medical malpractice lawsuits would have those results.
however results now on its effect on insurance premiums as Texas just concluded it 1 year anniversary on same reform----
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Advocates Cite Texas Medical Malpractice Reform
Thursday, September 23, 2004
DALLAS ? Supporters of medical malpractice (search) insurance reform say Texas is showing how to do it.
The state's largest medical liability insurance provider, Texas Medical Liability Trust, says it will cut the rates it charges doctors and hospitals by 5 percent on top of a previous cut of 12 percent. The provider attributes that to the $250,000 cap for "non-economic" damages for patients who successfully sue in court.
The American Medical Association (search) says that in Texas, fewer doctors are quitting because of high insurance premiums, providing more options for patients.
"It's good for doctors because it keeps them in the practice of medicine so that they can do what they're trained for, to care for their patients," said Donald Palmisano, past president of the AMA.
But opponents say the new law benefits only bad doctors and big insurance companies.
"Texas consumers were promised improvements in their quality, access and cost of health care," said Alex Winslow of Texas Watch (search). "We've seen no meaningful or appreciable benefit in those areas."
President Bush (search) has made medical malpractice reform part of his re-election campaign, but states are acting on their own already. Currently, 22 states have malpractice caps for non-economic damage, and four more will vote on some degree of reform this Election Day.
No wonder the PI attorneys are throwing so much money into their comrades campaigns
California
California Malpractice Law Reduces Attorney's Fees
Monday, July 12, 2004
WASHINGTON ? California's medical malpractice (search) law, cited as a model by President Bush, has reduced awards in malpractice trials by an average 30 percent, according to a study released Monday.
But because the landmark law capped attorney fees as well as jury awards, the net recovery by injured patients and their families fell only 15 percent, the study said. Payments to plaintiffs' lawyers dropped 60 percent.
The study by the Rand Corp. (search), a Santa Monica, Calif., think tank, looked only at how California's 1975 law affected payments in cases that went to trial. It did not look at whether the lower awards reduced malpractice insurance premiums for doctors or medical bills for consumers. Proponents argue that curbing medical malpractice lawsuits would have those results.
however results now on its effect on insurance premiums as Texas just concluded it 1 year anniversary on same reform----
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Advocates Cite Texas Medical Malpractice Reform
Thursday, September 23, 2004
DALLAS ? Supporters of medical malpractice (search) insurance reform say Texas is showing how to do it.
The state's largest medical liability insurance provider, Texas Medical Liability Trust, says it will cut the rates it charges doctors and hospitals by 5 percent on top of a previous cut of 12 percent. The provider attributes that to the $250,000 cap for "non-economic" damages for patients who successfully sue in court.
The American Medical Association (search) says that in Texas, fewer doctors are quitting because of high insurance premiums, providing more options for patients.
"It's good for doctors because it keeps them in the practice of medicine so that they can do what they're trained for, to care for their patients," said Donald Palmisano, past president of the AMA.
But opponents say the new law benefits only bad doctors and big insurance companies.
"Texas consumers were promised improvements in their quality, access and cost of health care," said Alex Winslow of Texas Watch (search). "We've seen no meaningful or appreciable benefit in those areas."
President Bush (search) has made medical malpractice reform part of his re-election campaign, but states are acting on their own already. Currently, 22 states have malpractice caps for non-economic damage, and four more will vote on some degree of reform this Election Day.
No wonder the PI attorneys are throwing so much money into their comrades campaigns
