Mississippi’s Cap on Malpractice Damages Good for Economy, Editorial Says

Mississippi's recently-passed have passed tort reform legislation will "strengthen" the state's economy "in the long run," according to a Washington Times editorial. According to the Times, several recent pieces of legislation, including a measure addressing medical malpractice awards, "could go a long way toward ending the state's reputation as a haven for frivolous lawsuits" (Washington Times, 12/5). On Oct. 8, Mississippi Gov. Ronnie Musgrove (D) signed into law a compromise medical malpractice bill that caps awards in malpractice lawsuits against physicians, hospitals and nursing homes. The law, which takes effect Jan. 1, limits jury awards for noneconomic damages in malpractice lawsuits to $500,000. The cap will increase to $750,000 in 2011 and to $1 million in 2017 (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 10/10). Last week, the state Legislature passed a package of tort reforms, including a $20 million cap on punitive damages for large firms and changes to the system of joint liability for noneconomic damages. The Times concludes, "Mississippi has taken several critical steps in the right direction on tort reform ... Other states would be wise to pay attention" (Washington Times, 12/5).