Insight on how Illinois passed tort reform

“For one thing, mention ‘tort reform’ and voters’ eyes turn glassy. So Cross didn’t. For another, many people put off seeing doctors and then only go when something hurts. Lawyers are seen as crusaders who fight for the little guy against bloated medical lobbies and unfeeling insurance combines.

But barnstorming the state, Cross perceived things were changing. For the last three years in Illinois, physicians have been fleeing to other states because of astronomically high insurance costs created by huge jury awards. Obstetricians and gynecologists left lawyer-friendly Downstate Madison and St. Claire counties for safer harbors in Missouri, Indiana and Kentucky. There are no neurosurgeons south of Springfield. Fast-growing Will County, near Chicago, has no neurosurgeons because doctor malpractice insurance rates doubled. Cross harnessed public concern to an effective legislative strategy.”