Wis. Proposal Would Expand Malpractice Suits to Parents of Adults

A bill passed by the Wisconsin Senate would give parents of adult children who die as a result of medical malpractice the ability to file lawsuits.

Right now, parents of adult children in Wisconsin can’t sue for malpractice deaths. Adult children also don’t have the right to sue if their parents die because of malpractice.

The bill would give both classes legal standing. Its author, Democratic Sen. Jeff Plale of South Milwaukee, says they deserve a day in court.

Republican Sen. Alberta Darling of River Hills counters the state’s patients compensation fund, which goes to malpractice claims, is in the red and this is no time to expand the client pool.