Missouri Lawmakers Push To Cap Punitive Damages In Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

January 14, 2014
Doctors and medical staff have a responsibility to protect the health and safety of patients at all times. When mistakes or errors are made in an individual’s care though, the victim or their family may have a right to seek compensation for damages from those who are responsible.

The Missouri Medical Malpractice Lawyers with Cofman Townsley Injury Lawyers explain that under state law, the victim of a medical mistake can seek damages for expenses such as medical costs, lost wages, and pain or suffering. There are currently no limits on the amount a victim can seek for punitive damages, like pain and suffering. Now though, state legislators are considering placing caps on the amount a victim can receive for such damages.

According to CBS-St. Louis News, lawmakers are hoping to pass a bill that will reinstate a $350,000 cap on the amount in punitive damages that can be awarded in a medical malpractice lawsuit. The cap was established several years ago, but was ruled as being in violation of a common law right to seek compensation for losses in medical malpractice cases that was established in the state’s constitution.

Cofman Townsley’s team of St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyers understand how overwhelming the expenses and damages associated with a medical mistake can be and encourage citizens to contact their lawmakers to demand the cap not be reinstated.