Illinois Medical Malpractice: A Compromise

From the Chicago Tribune

Springfield forges cap on malpractice
SPRINGFIELD -- After months of bitter feuding, medical leaders and key Illinois lawmakers from both political parties agreed Wednesday on a plan to cap pain-and-suffering damages in medical malpractice cases.

The hard-fought compromise paved the way for passage of legislation in the next few days. It reflects concerns by Democrats and Republicans alike that the public increasingly blames costly jury awards and expensive malpractice insurance for skyrocketing medical costs and the loss of specialist physicians.

The proposal would set a limit of $1 million on pain-and-suffering awards, also called non-economic damages, from hospitals and a $500,000 limit from doctors.