Supporters ask court to uphold malpractice caps
Associated Press
http://www.chicagotribune.com
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Supporters of limits on medical malpractice jury awards told the Illinois Supreme Court they’re a reasonable way to keep doctors from fleeing the state because of skyrocketing insurance rates.
But opponents say the General Assembly overstepped its bounds with the 2005 law and say those who suffer the most because of medical mistakes are hurt worst by the caps.
The law limits jury awards for pain and suffering to $500,000 against doctors and $1 million against hospitals.
The Supreme Court heard arguments in three cases Thursday, including one in which a Chicago girl suffered brain damage during childbirth. The court will decide the matter later.
The case is Lebron v. Gottlieb Memorial Hospital.
