Originally Posted by
Thom Walker
From another thread that I didn't want to turn into a drift:
It amazes and discourages me to realize that, in Texas, I can now be sued for more over a house inspection than an MD can be sued for for amputating the wrong leg, killing a patient, etc. Punative damages are now capped at $250,000 for MDs.
Actually this is true in many states and it is not just for the medical profession. Tort Law reform has happened in many states. Actual damages is what the majority of jury trials go on. This does not include attorney or expert witness fees. I just finished a case as an EW and the amount of the lawsuit was for a little over $400,000. Emotional distress, lack of companionship, etc,etc. The jury only awarded actual damages of $90,000. Keep in mind that this does not hold true in all states, this was in North Carolina.