Home

  • Home
    • » e-Newsletters

Malpractice suits may be limited

Physician Practice Advisor, August 3, 2005

A bill passed by the House of Representatives on Friday would limit non-economic and punitive damages in malpractice suits. It would also create a three-year statute of limitations on the filing of malpractice suits. The bill would not affect economic awards for patient medical costs.

"Congress finds that our current civil justice system is adversely affecting patient access to health care services, better patient care, and cost-efficient health care," according to the bill's introduction.

The bill:

  • sets a $250,000 limit on noneconomic damages in malpractice suits
  • creates protection from liability for manufacturers of medical products that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  • limits punitive damages to $250,000 or double the amount of economic damages, whichever is greater

The bill has been sent to the Senate judiciary committee.

For the full text of the bill, click here.

Most Popular