SIX WEEK SABBATICAL OVER

Due to the press of business, I have not posted in quite some time. Gotten a bit more organized, which in theory, will lead to more regular posts...

CAPS PASS IN ILLINOIS

First, I would be remiss if I didn't comment on the deplorable legislation recently passed by the Illinois Legislature. They have passed legislation that will place caps on the amount of non-economic damages(i.e. pain and suffering) that victims of medical malpractice can recover. The evidence is overwhelming that caps will have virtually no impact on medical malpractice premiums. And the alleged "doctor flight" is pure fiction. There are now almost 30% MORE doctors in Illinois than there were in 1995. A recent study by the AMA failed to turn up any evidence that doctors are fleeing from states that don't offer caps.

Medical malpractice victims typically have grievous, life-altering injuries. Although technically these people still have a constitutional right to a jury trial, caps legislation effectively renders that right meaningless.