In recent years, Florida has become a hotbed for medical malpractice lawsuits. Many out-of-state attorneys have set up shop in the state, lured by the promise of rich rewards. This trend is attributable to a variety of factors, including the state’s large elderly population and its popularity as a tourist destination.
As a result, doctors have been hit with a wave of frivolous lawsuits, and our health insurance premiums have skyrocketed. Our state lawmakers need to consider changing our medical malpractice laws in such a way that they will reduce lawsuit abuse. Any amendments to the law should make it more difficult for plaintiffs to win large judgments, thereby discouraging attorneys from filing frivolous lawsuits.
If improvements are not made, Florida will become even less hospitable to doctors, and many will be forced to leave the state. This would be a disaster for patients, who would have fewer choices and would be forced to travel longer distances for care.
No one can escape the far-reaching impact of abuses in our legal system. It raises the cost of healthcare for everyone. It also jeopardizes the quality of care in Florida, as more and more hospitals are forced to cut back on their services.
Our lawmakers need to focus on lawsuit reforms that would foster a more stable and predictable legal environment for both patients and doctors.
Kimberly Joly
418 Pamona Dr.
Apopka, FL 32712
727-637-8094
Kimberlyjoly2@gmail.com
Wait for the malpractice claims to start for doctors and hospitals not using ivermectin or hydroxychloroquine. Can’t wait myself!
The problem with malpractice is malpractice itself. Reduce malpractice and you will reduce malpractice suits. Frivolous lawsuits are largely a myth. Malpractice suits are costly to bring and attorneys don’t file them and absorb all the costs unless there is a good chance of winning.
Lawmakers need to focus on reform of the medical licensing board so that physicians with poor malpractice records lose their licenses or are forced to be retrained so they don’t continue to cause more malpractice injuries.