Major tort reform-related bill passes Senate committee
On Monday, the Florida Senate Judiciary Committee passed through a tort reform-related bill (SB 248) that includes a critical amendment limiting non-economic damages in medical malpractice lawsuits. This is the first step in the process for SB 248 that would do away with state law banning adult children from receiving non-economic damages in medical malpractice lawsuits for their deceased parents. However, the FMA successfully advocated for an amendment to reinstate the cap on such damages in all medical malpractice lawsuits against physicians and hospitals. As FMA President Jason Goldman, MD, testified, the cap is necessary to prevent a spike in Florida’s medical malpractice insurance rates — currently the highest in the country.
In the meantime, please contact your state senator and urge them to pass SB 248 as amended to include the cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice actions.