Florida Legislators to Address Malpractice Issue in June

Frivolous lawsuits in Florida continue to drive up the costs of medical malpractice insurance. The Senate recently rejected a $250,000 cap on punitive damages that trial lawyers successfully fought citing poor economic conditions as the motivating factor for insurance companies to raise their rates.

The rising costs of malpractice insurance have forced many doctors to suspend their practices. In response to the Senate’s rejection of the proposed cap, about 100 doctors stopped working to protest the legislature’s failure to control the rising insurance rates. The result has been an increase in the number of patients in dire need of attention and treatment. Jacksonville hospitals have been most heavily affected. While many doctors have returned to work recognizing the need for medical treatment, action to reduce or limit insurance rates must be taken to ensure they can continue to practice.

Senate President Jim King announced Tuesday evening that Governor Bush would call lawmakers back to Tallahassee on June 16 for four days in a second special session to address the malpractice issue. Make sure to contact your legislators to let them know you support meaningful medical liability reform similar to California’s Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act (MICRA) that can help reign-in unnecessary lawsuits while ensuring patients’ access to a fair trial and full compensation for economic losses that result from real harm.

CSE will update you with further information and opportunities to take action on this issue in the near future.