A New Wave of Malpractice Law Reforms
Recently, four U.S. states have updated their medical malpractice laws. And these changes are becoming a bigger trend. Lawmakers are now focusing on how cases are handled in court, rather than setting up damage caps. What juries are seeing, how fault is allocated, and how cases are funded – the entire legal process is being transformed.
Here’s what’s happening in each state:
Texas – Senate Bill 30
The leaders are concerned about “nuclear verdicts”, that is, jury awards over $10 million. According to them, these are raising insurance costs and driving providers away.
What changed:
- For medical care, juries only see what was paid for, not what was billed.
- Mental suffering must only seriously disrupt life to cause damage.
- If outside funders are paying legal costs, then lawsuits must be revealed.
Georgia – Senate Bills 68 & 69
Lawmakers are focused on stopping legal abuse and making the outcomes more predictable. By far, this is one of the biggest tort reform packages in the U.S, passed by Georgia.
What changed:
- When arguing damage accounts, lawyers must use real evidence.
- Evidence collection halts if a dismissal is filed, slowing early case steps.
- Rigid rules and regulations on when and how cases can be dropped and refiled.
Utah – House Bill 503
Changes made by Utah aim to help doctors and make it easier for them to stay and practice in rural areas. This is being done by lowering malpractice risks so that these doctors don’t face as much legal or financial risk if they get sued.
What changed:
- Doctors need to carry $1 million in malpractice insurance.
- The claim data will be tracked and reported by the state through licensing boards.
South Carolina – Senate Bill 244
To protect providers from unfair blame, South Carolina aims to lower insurance costs.
What changed:
- Fault must be divided by the jury among all parties involved, even those not in court.
- Any provider with a small fault will not be fully responsible.
Here’s Why It Matters
These reforms are set to make a massive difference, with a likely impact on how doctors, hospitals, and insurers handle risk. More states are also likely to follow as the focus shifts from large payouts to efficient legal processes.
