"Tort Reform": What Does It Really Mean?
In the 1970s California adopted “tort reform” for medical malpractice claims. The State imposed limits on the recovery of “pain and suffering” damages for victims of medical malpractice to a maximum of $250,000. Further, the recovery of medical expenses were limited to those not already paid by the victim’s own insurance. The laws also limited the amount a victim’s attorney could receive for handling a malpractice lawsuit. Finally, the court could impose limits in the manner which any malpractice judgment would be paid. When all was said and done, the reforms only limited the victims’ rights while providing the doctors with reduced malpractice insurance rates and the insurance companies limited exposure.
Since the passage of Civil Code 3333. 2, there has been no increase in the allowable limit for pain and suffering. This means that a victim’s recovery today is worth less (due to inflation) than a victim’s recovery in the 1970s. At the same time, the insurance rates have increased and the medical insurance companies have reaped the profits.
So when the talk is about “tort reform,” what that really means is limiting victim rights. The insurance companies push legislation that restricts a victims ability to engage a qualified attorney or recover for legitimate injuries and losses. The insurance companies have no limitations to fight legitimate claims. Proper “tort reform” requires a balance of rights and responsibilities
