Illinois Justices Consider Constitutionality of Medical Malpractice Caps

If the Illinois Supreme Court decides to strike down limits on medical malpractice awards it could mean fewer doctors practicing in the state, sources told Legal Newsline. The state’s high court is examining the constitutionality of caps lawmakers placed on lawsuit awards. In 2005, state legislators passed a law that capped non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, in medical malpractice suits to $500,000 for doctors and $1 million for hospitals. The three-year-old law, however, does not limit actual damages, including medical expenses and lost wages. Proponents of the caps say the Illinois Medical Malpractice Act of 2005 is a commonsense way to keep doctors, particularly in underserved areas, from being driven out of practice by skyrocketing medical malpractice insurance rates.

Please click on the link below to read the complete Legal Newsline article:

http://www.legalnewsline.com/news/217448-illinois-justices-consider-constitutionality-of-medical-malpractice-caps

The Citron Law Firm, P.A. (www.citronlegal.com) is a civil trial practice law firm that specializes in professional liability and injury cases, commercial and real estate litigation and family law matters.  The Citron Law Firm is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at 707 S.E. Third Avenue, Sixth Floor – (954) 712-1686.

Why You Should Be Concerned About Medical Malpractice

Rising medical malpractice suits could become a big concern not only for physicians and policy makers, but the general public (i.e., prospective patients) as well. According to the Congressional Budget Office, premiums for medical malpractice rose by an average of 15 percent between 2000 and 2002. And that number is just an average, with some regions experiencing a much sharper increase than others. For example, a county in Florida experienced a surgeon premium increase of 75 percent. Escalating premiums could quite possibly deter current students considering careers in medicine from joining the field, or influence which field of medicine they join. As a result, residents of counties with high malpractice premiums could very well become under served in future years, as surgeons may seek work elsewhere to avoid harsh premiums.

Please click on the link below to read the complete Erie Times article:

http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081121/LIFESTYLES07/311219938/-1/LIFESTYLES21

The Citron Law Firm, P.A. (www.citronlegal.com) is a civil trial practice law firm that specializes in professional liability and injury cases, commercial and real estate litigation and family law matters.  The Citron Law Firm is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at 707 S.E. Third Avenue, Sixth Floor – (954) 712-1686.