Medical Malpractice Laws Challenged By H.R. 5
H.R. 5, a bill seeking to establish national tort reforms measures, continues to be discussed at length by Congress. If passed, the bill could take away the right to trial by jury in some medical malpractice cases and place potentially unconstitutional limits on recovery of non-economic damages.
As Hawaii personal injury attorneys concerned about medical malpractice, we are opposed to Congress limiting victims’ compensation and access to the court system. If you believe you have been harmed by the negligence or recklessness of another, those responsible for your injuries should be held accountable.
Currently, the number of medical malpractice lawsuits filed is significantly less than the amount of medical negligence that occurs. In 1999, the Institute of Medicine found that up to 98,000 patients die in hospitals each year due to medical errors. This past November, the Department of Health and Human Services found that medical errors occur in the treatment of 1 out of every 7 patients, and that 44% are preventable.
At Bostwick & Peterson, LLP our team of Hawaii personal injury lawyers support efforts to reduce the costs of litigation but also firmly believe that those injured should be allowed their day in court and the opportunity to obtain the compensation necessary to pay for what is sometimes a lifetime of care.
For more information, or if you believe you or a family member has been harmed as the result of care received from a hospital or other care provider, please contact the experienced Hawaii medical malpractice lawyers at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP.
