Malpractice Caps

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the main reason why caps should exist on malpractice suit is the cost of malpractice insurance for doctors, which has forced many doctors to stop practicing medicine. The author points out that placing caps on malpractice awards might shield negligent doctors from being held accountable for their mistakes and might prevent patients from getting the monetary awards that match the economic and traumatic impact of the injuries they have incurred. The paper states that the solution to this issue is to place caps on malpractice awards; however, in extreme cases where negligence is apparent and the impact of such negligence is irrevocable, there must be exceptions to such caps.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Why Caps on Malpractice Awards
Why No Caps on Malpractice Awards
Discussion and Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The problems associated with malpractice awards came to the forefront in 2002 when a group of 60 specialists at the University Medical Center in Las Vegas refused to work because of the high cost of malpractice insurance. Their actions caused the hospitals emergency room to shut down. This gave Nevada and the nation a glimpse of the public health crisis that could ensue if caps are not placed on Malpractice Awards. In the case of Las Vegas, legislatures came together and placed a $350,000 cap on the amount of money that a patient could receive as a non economic award in a malpractice case. However, lawmakers did attach to exceptions to the bill including "one involving cases where there is "gross malpractice". The other where there is "clear and convincing" evidence that an award should exceed the $350,000 cap."

More papers on Malpractice Caps:

• Essay # 87617 : "Caps on Medical Malpractice Awards"
• Argumentative Essay # 72539 : "Malpractice Awards"
• Research Paper # 54804 : "The Rising Cost of Medical Malpractice"

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