Doctor: Illinois Would Do Well To Follow Wisconsin’s Example

“Wisconsin has drawn six obstetrician-gynecologists (Ob-Gyns) from LGH. These doctors have reportedly fled Illinois to practice medicine under cheaper insurance premiums. In Wisconsin, Ob-Gyns pay $23,677 in yearly medical liability premiums, while the same doctor in Cook County pays $230,428 annually. . .

Because Illinois has eliminated punitive damages from medical malpractice suits, many doctors in Illinois, including Narasimhan, believe excessive, non-economic damage awards are a jury’s way of dolling out punishment to a physician.

In Wisconsin’s case, it has joined 21 other states in placing a cap on non-economic damages. Juries cannot award a plaintiff more than $410,000 for pain and suffering, a number adjusted for inflation. The American Medical Association (AMA), like Narasimhan, is a strong supporter of such caps. Citing a Stanford University study, the AMA said that caps ‘reduced the likelihood that a physician will be sued by 2.1%. Within three years, premiums in direct reform states declined by 8.4%.'”