[mewzilla]

Put a cap on awards. Especially for pain and suffering. And docs need to weed out the bad apples. No excuses. Last time I knew most of the verdicts are against the same small number of docs.

[ken5050]

Also, they should end lump-sum awards for judgements.....most victims of medical malpractise will require financial support over many years....if payments were structured, rather than a lump sum bonanza...premiums could drop considerably..

[Mr. Bird]

There are some things that can be done to bring this under control. First, docs need to look at creating practice models with other docs (LLC's maybe) that can reduce the premiums based on good histories. Second, insurers need to eliminate the poorest of risks. Refuse to cover at any cost. Have the state Physician's Board review the insurers' decision in the event of an appeal. If the state thinks the doc should practice and be covered, THEY insure him.

A question: do states require malpractice insurance? Again, this is one of those things that will drastically effect the market. If the insurers know the demand pool is always maximized, they can set any rate they want. Mandatory insurance is, though well-intentioned, a massive scam. We often discuss the hidden costs associated with legal fees and taxes, but think about all of the insurance money out there. Insurance for occurrences that statistically will never happen to you in 50 years. That's a ripoff.....

[NorthGA]

I have always thought that compensatory damages should go to the injured - to the degree they were injured. BUT the high punative damages should go to the community somehow (not to any individual) - AND without the lawyer fees taken out of this portion.

This would return the punative "society" punishment back to society and not to some unlucky/lucky individual and their lawyer.

A lawsuit should not be a lottery substitute.

[meyer]

Put a cap on awards. Especially for pain and suffering. And docs need to weed out the bad apples. No excuses. Last time I knew most of the verdicts are against the same small number of docs.

The medical tort issue is just the tip of the overall tort problem that this country faces. We have the most litigous society on earth, fer cryin' out loud. The USA desperately needs tort reform before lawyers leech the last few remaining profitable entities out of existance. Doctors don't deserve the "asbestos" treatment, and neither does Mcdonalds, GM, of any of the other countless industries that are under attack with dubious lawsuits. Enough is enough!!