Editor: Pennsylvania doctors and consumers should be thrilled that the number of medical-malpractice lawsuits has fallen in the commonwealth (“Insurance rates for doctors shrinking,” Nov. 16). Meaningful tort reforms — of the sort advanced by the Keystone State in the past few years — are an effective way to reduce health-care costs for ordinary patients.
But Pennsylvania has a long way to go. The state has one of the riskiest litigation climates in the country, medical-malpractice reforms notwithstanding. It’s no surprise then that Pennsylvania has among the highest monetary tort losses in the nation — more than $7.5 billion annually.
Further tort reforms — like tighter caps on damage awards — are necessary to improve health care in Pennsylvania. Without such reforms, Pennsylvania’s consumers can expect ever-rising costs and worsening treatment options.
LAWRENCE J. McQUILLAN
DIRECTOR, BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC STUDIES
PACIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE
SAN FRANCISCO
Nothing contained in this blog is to be construed as necessarily reflecting the views of the Pacific Research Institute or as an attempt to thwart or aid the passage of any legislation.
More tort reform
Lawrence J. McQuillan
Editor: Pennsylvania doctors and consumers should be thrilled that the number of medical-malpractice lawsuits has fallen in the commonwealth (“Insurance rates for doctors shrinking,” Nov. 16). Meaningful tort reforms — of the sort advanced by the Keystone State in the past few years — are an effective way to reduce health-care costs for ordinary patients.
But Pennsylvania has a long way to go. The state has one of the riskiest litigation climates in the country, medical-malpractice reforms notwithstanding. It’s no surprise then that Pennsylvania has among the highest monetary tort losses in the nation — more than $7.5 billion annually.
Further tort reforms — like tighter caps on damage awards — are necessary to improve health care in Pennsylvania. Without such reforms, Pennsylvania’s consumers can expect ever-rising costs and worsening treatment options.
LAWRENCE J. McQUILLAN
DIRECTOR, BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC STUDIES
PACIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE
SAN FRANCISCO
Nothing contained in this blog is to be construed as necessarily reflecting the views of the Pacific Research Institute or as an attempt to thwart or aid the passage of any legislation.