ABA Association Urges Congress To Reject Tort Reform Bil

The American Bar Association on Tuesday asked Congress to vote against a tort reform bill that would impose a nationwide cap on noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases, saying that such matters are better left in the hands of the states. H.R. 1215, the Protecting Access to Care Act, is set for floor debate today and if approved would install a $250,000 limit on noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering in any medical malpractice suit involving an individual who receives health care subsidized by the government or paid by private insurance plans receiving federal tax exemptions. The ABA sent a letter to Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., on Tuesday urging the House speaker and his colleagues to reject the bill since it undermines state authority in medical liability actions.