POLS 1337 1st Edition Lecture 12Previous: Court Systems in Texas Part III.Consequences of Medical Malpractice Lawsuits60 minutes Investigates consequences of Medical Malpractice Lawsuits (2003)Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtaHjvLpgtUBush believed too many lawsuits went against good doctors- Doctors today (it’s more about money than the practice of medicine)- Worried about getting sued, not being able to afford malpractice insurance- Lowered rates so that patience could afford- Income decreased - Difficulties paying overhead costs of practice - Have to work long hours/days- Increase the number of patients the doctor sees- Cost of surgery increased b/c doctors have to practice defensive medicine (“pain and suffering” avg. jury award = $4 mil)II.Tort Reform in TexasTort Reform= top priority for Gov. Perry- Major Concerns of Medical Malpractice cases in the medical community- Doctors leave state (couldn’t afford malpractice insurance premiums)- Problem especially in rural areasCapping Awards by JuriesLimit awards juries can issues (Pain and suffering) that are non economical damagesVoters approved Prop. 12: the state made a cap of $250,000 for pain and sufferingTort Reforms EffectivenessThese notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor’s lecture. GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes, not as a substitute.- Difficult to determine because of lawsuit abuse- Doctors in TX (rural areas) are more likely to be underserved- Tort reform is not included in Obamacare**Conclusion of Court Systems in Texas
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