Leaders Work Toward Compromise on Md. Malpractice Reform

First, the Republicans don’t feel this is a waste of time, the Democrat’s called the governor a “Scrooge” for calling a session around Christmas and a total waste of time.

I was under the impression, this session, would be strictly for tort reform, a way to assist those who provide medical malpractice insurance a way to put a cap on cost. How does a 2% on health maintenance insurance premiums reform anything? What was accomplished here?


ANNAPOLIS, Md. - The House of Delegates approved a medical malpractice insurance bill Wednesday, setting the stage for negotiations with Senate leaders on a compromise version that would have enough support to override Gov. Robert Ehrlich's promised veto.

[Lenny]

Originally Posted by Kizzy

What was accomplished here?

The Democrats once again prove that they'll continue to obstruct any progress under this Republican governor. If they are intent upon 'taxing' the economy to make this kitty work, why not tax the tort lawyer's guild who are responsible for the explosion of sinful malpractice awards?

[ericw]

Originally Posted by Lenny

The Democrats once again prove that they'll continue to obstruct any progress under this Republican governor. If they are intent upon 'taxing' the economy to make this kitty work, why not tax the tort lawyer's guild who are responsible for the explosion of sinful malpractice awards?

Because it would make too much sense!

[Lenny]

Originally Posted by ericw

Because it would make too much sense!

Well, nobody can accuse Miller of having sense now, can they?

The folks down here in Florida got tired of the doctors and lawyers pointing fingers over who was responsible for all of the problems with malpractice, so three initiatives were placed on the ballot that settled the problem for them.

First, a lawyer can only collect a maximum of $50,000 over his/her expenses in a malpractice case. If the victim is awarded $10,000,000, the lawyer used to get about 40% plus expenses. Now they get just $50,000, and suddenly there's been a huge drop in malpractice advertising by lawyers, and they are a lot more selective about the cases they take.

Second, doctors must disclose their professional histories to any patient that asks.

Third, any doctor who is sued successfully for malpractice three times permanently loses his/her license in Florida.

So, the lawyers and doctors get screwed, and the patients and insurance companies win out. I'm betting the docs and ambulance chasers are wishing now they would have worked something out on their own.

[Oz (Premo)]

Let's see our Delagates and the Attorney's they are protecting start delivering babies, because that's about all we'll have left in Maryland.

[Mikeinsmd]

Originally Posted by Bruzilla

The folks down here in Florida got tired of the doctors and lawyers pointing fingers over who was responsible for all of the problems with malpractice, so three initiatives were placed on the ballot that settled the problem for them.

First, a lawyer can only collect a maximum of $50,000 over his/her expenses in a malpractice case. If the victim is awarded $10,000,000, the lawyer used to get about 40% plus expenses. Now they get just $50,000, and suddenly there's been a huge drop in malpractice advertising by lawyers, and they are a lot more selective about the cases they take.

Second, doctors must disclose their professional histories to any patient that asks.

Third, any doctor who is sued successfully for malpractice three times permanently loses his/her license in Florida.

So, the lawyers and doctors get screwed, and the patients and insurance companies win out. I'm betting the docs and ambulance chasers are wishing now they would have worked something out on their own.

I like it~!!

Originally Posted by Mikeinsmd

I like it~!!

I really do too. I think that is a terrific idea. Too bad they cannot do something about car accident claims.

In 1996 - 1997, I worked in D.C. as a Paralegal. I was at 17th Street and L Street. I went to turn on K Street and a delivery truck backed up, full throttle into the front of my car. To make matters worse, I was driving my dad's Subaru. Well, it completely crushed the front end and the damage was extensive. DC PD responded to take a report. They towed my father's car, wrote the report and I went to work. The very next day, the lawyers called my office over and over and over and over again for about a week. Apparently, they get police reports and call these people encouraging them to sue. They were absolutely belligerent when I said that I felt this was hardly worth filling a lawsuit and made a comment that no wonder my car insurance was so high. I had minor aches that only lasted about 2-days and I was fine.

[Ken King (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Kizzy

I really do too. I think that is a terrific idea. Too bad they cannot do something about car accident claims.

In 1996 - 1997, I worked in D.C. as a Paralegal. I was at 17th Street and L Street. I went to turn on K Street and a delivery truck backed up, full throttle into the front of my car. To make matters worse, I was driving my dad's Subaru. Well, it completely crushed the front end and the damage was extensive. DC PD responded to take a report. They towed my father's car, wrote the report and I went to work. The very next day, the lawyers called my office over and over and over and over again for about a week. Apparently, they get police reports and call these people encouraging them to sue. They were absolutely belligerent when I said that I felt this was hardly worth filling a lawsuit and made a comment that no wonder my car insurance was so high. I had minor aches that only lasted about 2-days and I was fine.

But now, several years later, the brain damage has come to light (right here on SOMD). You should have sued.

[Mikeinsmd]

Originally Posted by Ken King

But now, several years later, the brain damage has come to light (right here on SOMD). You should have sued.

OMG!! That was funny. (sorry Kizzy)