Doctors are worried about the loss of caps in Wisconsin

“Christopher Magiera, M.D., paid $30,000 a year for malpractice insurance when he worked as a gastroenterologist in Cleveland. Since his 2003 move to Wisconsin””a state known for its desirable practice climate, its tort reforms, and its cap on noneconomic damages””he has watched that premium shrink to about $5,000 a year, which included a contribution to the state’s compensation fund for patients.

‘Private insurers had been giving us low rates because they knew the medical liability environment was very stable,’ he said.

Dr. Magiera’s premiums soon may go up again, due to a recent decision by the Wisconsin Supreme Court to remove the longstanding cap on noneconomic damages in malpractice cases. Instituted decades ago, the cap was cut to $250,000 in 1995. With inflation adjustments, the cap had increased to $445,775 in 2005.”