N.C. SENATE MIGHT CAP MED MAL AWARDS

The North Carolina Senate is again considering legislation to cap jury awards in medical malpractice lawsuits. Sen. Robert Pittenger, R-Mecklenburg, a cap proponent, said limiting damages is an effective way to reduce premiums, which are skyrocketing in many states.

The measure, modeled after malpractice reforms in Texas, would broaden the caps on non-economic damages by making them $250,000 each for a doctor, hospital or long-term care facility found liable for damages. Pittenger’s 2003 legislation limited all such damages to $250,000.