Each year, as many as 440,000 Americans die from preventable medical errors, making it the third leading cause of death in the U.S.. Despite this, H.R. 1215 is currently scheduled to be debated on the House floor next week. As it currently stands, this bill caps non-economic damages at $250,000, eliminates joint liability for economic and non-economic loss, caps attorney fees, has a restrictive statute of limitations and says that a doctor and a pharmaceutical company cannot be named in the same lawsuit. The bill applies these limits regardless of the number of parties, the causes of action or the theory of liability. Even worse, the bill is so broadly worded that it would also limit remedies against for-profit nursing homes, insurance providers, and even against doctors who commit intentional acts such as sexual abuse. Contact your representative now to tell them you oppose this legislation.
