Number of Medical Malpractice Suits in Pennsylvania Down
The number of medical malpractice lawsuits filed in Pennsylvania declined for a third consecutive year in 2007, according to figures released Monday by the state Supreme Court.
The number of suits, 1,617, represented a 4.5 percent decline from 2006 and a 40.8 percent drop from an annual average of roughly 2,700 malpractice lawsuits filed from 2000 to 2002.
Chief Justice Ronald D. Castille attributed the decline to key changes made several years ago — a court requirement in 2003 that an independent physician or expert certify the viability of a medical malpractice lawsuit and a 2002 law ending the practice of “venue shopping” in which attorneys file cases in the county where a favorable jury verdict is most likely.
Those changes were made to help stabilize premiums in response to doctors’ complaints that spiraling insurance costs were forcing them to leave Pennsylvania.
- Texas Storms Leave 800,000 Without Power While Flights Grounded
- Security First Touts 5% Rate Decrease for HO-3, Renters Policies in Florida
- Popular SC Country Music Venue Shuts Down Due to Liquor Liability Insurance Costs
- Fannie and Freddie Hit Pause on Replacement-Value Requirements for Home Insurance