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The Need for Medical Liability Reform
An increase in the number of lawsuits filed and a rise in jury awards against health-care professionals and organizations in the past decade have sent malpractice insurance premiums soaring. Since 1994, the average medical malpractice verdict has increased to $3.5 million from $1.1 million. In turn, higher costs are forcing many doctors to quit or limit their practices and prompting some medical facilities to close. This has affected patients' access to medical care and hurt local economic development.
The U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform is working for reform of the medical liability laws to contain the costs associated with excessive and frivolous malpractice litigation and to ensure appropriate compensation for injured parties. Among its efforts, ILR:
Supports federal legislation that would place a cap on the amount of damages that could be awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits.
Works with health-care liability stakeholders at the federal and state levels to help pass medical liability reform legislation.
