March 8, 2008

In New York, a medical malpractice insurance crisis has resulted in skyrocketing insurance rates, $50,000 surcharges, and calls for legal reform even from the Democratic governor and legislature. The Center for Justice & Democracy complains, claiming there's nothing wrong with the legal system, and it's all the fault of the insurance companies because they kept reserves too low by charging too little. (James T. Madore, "Spitzer to unveil plan to lower malpractice costs", Newsday, Mar. 5; George Wallace, "Malpractice Crisis Looms For Area MDs", Suffolk Life, Feb. 20).

This is ironic, given CJD's frequent allegations that insurance companies gouge doctors by keeping too high a reserve—an argument being made by trial lawyers in Colorado seeking to promote a bill raising medical malpractice damages caps in that state. (Bob Mook, "Lawmakers dissect COPIC", Denver Business Journal, Mar. 7 via Robinette).