http://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/07/29/damage.limits.ap/index.html


Malpractice award limits pass in House
Friday, July 29, 2005; Posted: 11:19 a.m. EDT (15:19 GMT)

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Legislation that would limit damages for medical malpractice has passed the House for the third consecutive year.

The bill, approved Thursday by a vote of 230-194, would cap awards for pain and suffering at $250,000. There would be no limit on economic damages, which provide reimbursement for such expenses as medical bills and lost wages. Finally, the bill would in many cases cap punitive damages at $250,000.

Supporters of the caps say they will stabilize malpractice insurance premiums. Many in the health care industry say the rising premiums have forced some doctors out of business, or forced them to move to states where caps exist. At the very least, they say, increasing premiums substantially add to the cost of health care.

The legislation was largely supported by Republicans with backing from doctors, hospitals, insurers and pharmaceutical manufacturers. The opposition came mostly from Democrats with backing from attorneys and some consumer advocacy groups, who said victims of malpractice would be prevented from obtaining fair compensation for their injuries.
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The future of the legislation is in doubt despite Thursday's events. The Senate has so far declined to pass a bill that would cap punitive damages. In addition, such legislation would move through the Senate Judiciary Committee before moving to the full Senate, and that group of lawmakers already figures to have a full plate this fall dealing with the vacancy on the Supreme Court.

I think this is a good thing but feel the cap should be a bit higher for lifelong physical damage caused by malpractice. Million dollar lawsuits for 6 months or a year of suffering is just being sue happy.
As a society we have become overwhelmed by people who feel that if somebody causes them harm unitentionally they are entitled to large sums of money. Not just the cost of the damages but all this "pain and suffering" crap. People expect doctors to be gods when they are sick and get mad when they have to face the fact that doctors are just people practicing on you.

The cap should be closer to $0, but this is a good first step. I hope it passes.

BTW where's Aidon, to defend the ambulance chasers?

It won't pass the Senate. It won't even make it out of the judiciary committee.