Lawmakers in Connecticut may amend medical malpractice law

03/28/2012

Connecticut physicians who are considering purchasing professional liability insurance will likely be paying attention to what state lawmakers decide about a medical malpractice law.<br/><br/>According to The Associated Press, state legislators indicate they are moving forward with a bill that they say will fix a snag in a medical malpractice law that has prevented some legitimate lawsuits from being filed.<br/><br/>Since 2005, Connecticut residents who want to bring a healthcare provider to court are prevented from doing so unless they get a second opinion from another provider who can corroborate the malpractice allegation. If this opinion isn&#39;t obtained, judges are permitted to dismiss the case.<br/><br/>But the AP indicates that legislators are now re-thinking the law, as malpractice lawsuits that had merit have often been cast down.<br/><br/>&quot;To stop anyone from at least having their day in court is not justice,&quot; said state Senator John Kissell during a hearing earlier this month, according to the AP.<br/><br/>In response, groups like the American Medical Association have come out against the legislation, noting that it would lead to higher malpractice insurance rates, deterring physicians from seeking employment in the Constitution State.