The American Association of Justice (AAJ) released a new report entitled, “Five Myths about Medical Negligence” that debunks the myths about medical malpractice reform including:
- there are too many frivolous suits;
- medical malpractice lawsuits drive up healthcare costs;
- doctors are fleeing because of medical malpractice lawsuits;
- medical malpractice claims drive up premiums; and
- tort reform will lower insurance rates.
Calls for tort reform in the context of health care reform are an unwelcome distraction. As we have noted in several posts on this topic, in this debate, no one is speaking about the victims. This continuing effort to blame lawsuits for spiraling health costs is puzzling and unwarranted. The focus should shift to efforts on curbing negligent treatment of patients. Indeed, wouldn’t safer practices eliminate lawsuits and lower premiums?
You can view AAJ President Anthony Tarricone’s article on the report by clicking here. You can link directly to the report by clicking here.
