August 28, 2009

Why no Tort Reform

One of the key expenses for a practicing Doctor is the malpractice insurance -- frequently $30K to $40K per year. If we were able to place a cap on malpractice lawsuits -- limiting the awards to two or three million dollars -- we would see a dramatically smaller yearly cost to the Doctor and therefore a reduction in overall medical expenses. Why we haven't had this kind of Tort Reform? From CNS News:
Howard Dean: Democrats Left Tort Reform Out of Health Care Bill Because They Feared 'Taking On' Trial Lawyers
Former Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean, a medical doctor who served as governor of Vermont, said at a town hall meeting on Tuesday night that Democrats in Congress did not include tort reform in the health care bill because they were fearful of �taking on� the trial lawyers.

�This is the answer from a doctor and a politician,� said Dean. �Here is why tort reform is not in the bill. When you go to pass a really enormous bill like that the more stuff you put in, the more enemies you make, right? And the reason why tort reform is not in the bill is because the people who wrote it did not want to take on the trial lawyers in addition to everybody else they were taking on, and that is the plain and simple truth. Now, that�s the truth.�
Trial lawyers working for someone of modest income will offer to work for a percentage of the winnings -- it is not in their interest to limit winnings... Posted by DaveH at August 28, 2009 7:38 PM
Comments

The trial lawyers have their paws all over our doctors, the insurance companies have their paws all over the doctors AND the lawyers, and the federal government has its (not it's) paws all over the insurance companies, preventing competition across state lines. Is it any wonder this revolving furball of money and power cares little for the patients?

Posted by: Dick at August 29, 2009 5:21 AM
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