Help Stop Rhode Island Lawsuit Abuse

FreedomWorks and the RI Medical Society and the Hospital Association are working to pass state medical liability reform legislation in Rhode Island.

Skyrocketing medical liability insurance premiums are driving up costs and forcing doctors to stop performing certain procedures. The new “Patients First Coalition” recently launched a website, http://www.PatientsFirstCoalition.org with more information about the crisis.

Skyrocketing Premiums

Rhode Island surgeons have experienced premium increases of 175% since 2002, according to the Rhode Island Medical Society, and general practitioners have experienced increases of 200% since 2002. Hospitals have it even worse. Rhode Island hospitals have experienced premium increases of 286% since 2002, according to an analysis by the Hospital Association of Rhode Island.

Reduced Access to Care

The high cost of insurance is reducing the availability of health care in Rhode Island. According to the 2004 Rhode Island SHAPE Foundation report, 48% of physicians planning to leave Rhode Island within the next three years to practice elsewhere cite Rhode Island’s high malpractice insurance costs.

Broken Judicial System

Rhode Island ranks last in the length of time it takes for malpractice cases to be resolved — 6 years. The national average is less than 5 years and some states deliver justice in less than 3 years. Additionally, Rhode Island has the highest prejudgment interest rate in the country — 12%. And Rhode Island has the 4th highest average malpractice award payment ($406,411) in the country.

It’s time to fix this problem. Call FreedomWorks toll-free 1-888-564-6273 to find out how you can do more.