Proof that tort reform works

“Because of tort reform, malpractice lawsuits no longer can be counted on to police the profession.

In Harris County, the numbers of medical malpractice lawsuits have dropped precipitously since October 2003, when limits on non-economic damages (awards for “pain and suffering”) went into effect.

For the previous eight years, the number of malpractice suits averaged in the high 400s. In 2003, they spiked to 1,170. But only 16 were filed after Oct. 1. Lawyers had clearly rushed to the courthouse to get in before the limits went into effect.

Last year, the number plummeted to 204. What’s more, the value of those lawsuits can be expected to be greatly reduced because of the limits.”

Now, the Texas Board of Medical Examiners has been more aggressive in policing doctors instead of the courts. Which is the way it should be.