[Inkie]

While that is sad, why should anyone get more than $250K in non-economic damages? Economic damages are unlimited, aren't they? That means, if the child needs care for the rest of his life, it will be paid for, and probably psychological services and multiple other services for the parents. The $250K is in addition to that.

The surgeon, of course, should be charged with callous disregard for life and imprisoned. Why punish the rest of society for his negligence?

[Mamzelle]

re: That means, if the child needs care for the rest of his life, it will be paid for, and probably psychological services and multiple other services for the parents. )))

You're making assumptions. If there's no insurance, if the doctor either quits or goes uncovered, there'll be nothing. Insurance is a risk pool, and as fragile as any patient. Make it too expensive for the market to bear, and there won't be any help for injured patients.

The system needs to be operated with hospitals and doctors on board as well as lawyers. There has to be built into the system arbitration and some common sense, or there will be no system at all shortly.