Illinois Governor Signs Med Mal Bill

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed legislation on August 25 limiting damages in malpractice suits in the state.

Under the law, sponsored by state congressmen James Clayborne, Jr., and Dan Reitz, a jury is limited to awarding plantiffs $500,000 for personal pain and suffering in cases against physicians. The cap is $1 million in cases against hospitals.

The law also contains provisions that allow for greater scrutiny of malpractice insurance rates