Small Business Group Calls For Caps On Malpractice Awards

MIDDLEBURY — The state’s largest small-business advocacy organization has called on lawmakers to improve the cost and access of health care in Connecticut by capping the amount of noneconomic damages awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits.

“Due to skyrocketing medical malpractice insurance rates, many small business owners are finding it increasingly difficult to afford health insurance for themselves and their workers,” said Armando Paolino, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).

He noted that Connecticut is one of 18 states facing a severe medical malpractice insurance crisis and NFIB supports the legislation backed by the Connecticut State Medical Society.

Mr Paolino said health insurance costs are the number one problem affecting small businesses. Capping noneconomic damages at $250,000 is crucial to improving access to and affordability of health care, he said.

Economic damages, such as present and future medical costs, lost wages, rehabilitation, home health care, and child care will continue to be unlimited, he explained, but a cap will end the practice of defensive medicine by reducing the threat of frivolous lawsuits.

This reform is modeled after legislation enacted in California.

“NFIB believes that capping noneconomic damages will inject more fairness into the medical malpractice legal system, reduce unnecessary litigation and legal costs, and protect the rights of those with legitimate claims,” said Mr Paolino.

With nearly 5,000 members, NFIB is Connecticut’s lar- gest small-business advocacy organization.