Medical malpractice tort reform bills were recently introduced in both chambers of the Iowa legislature. According to a January 30 article in the Iowa Capital Dispatch, the bills are fast-tracking through various subcommittees after being touted by Governor Reynolds in her Condition of the State address. This new version of tort reform would put a $1 million hard cap on noneconomic damages in lawsuits against healthcare providers for cases of substantial or permanent loss or impairment of a bodily function, substantial disfigurement, or death. Noneconomic damages may include awards for pain and suffering and emotional distress. Supporters of tort reform – hospitals, physicians, malpractice insurance companies – say there are too many frivolous lawsuits that cause ‘runaway’ and ‘shock’ verdicts that are out of control. The argument is that this causes a shortage of healthcare Read More >