W.Va. Malpractice Cases On the Rise
Save Email Print
Bookmark and Share
Updated: 1:09 AM Aug 26, 2008
W.Va. Malpractice Cases On the Rise
The number of medical malpractice lawsuits filed in West Virginia is climbing, but not everyone agrees on what that means.
Posted: 1:34 PM Aug 25, 2008
Reporter: Associated Press
Email Address: news@wsaz.com
width:100 and height: 75 and picwidth: 100 and pciheight: 75
Font Size:

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - The number of medical malpractice lawsuits filed in West Virginia is climbing, but not everyone agrees on what that means.

Cabell County Senator Evan Jenkins says the increase could require future legislative action if it doesn't stop.

Jenkins also heads the state Medical Association. He says decisions by the state Supreme Court could also prompt a crisis if the court ever strikes down caps on damages and other major changes made by the Legislature in 2001 and 2003.

But lawyers who represent plaintiffs in malpractice cases say the current rules are already too strict.

Wheeling lawyer Christopher Regan says lawyers are turning meritorious cases away because limitations on damages make it unaffordable for some people.

Regan gave the example of someone on a fixed income facing a damage cap of $500,000 in a case that may cost them more than $150,000.

He says the numbers exclude some people from having their day in court.

$310,000,000
Live Feed Now on the Always On Channel

Local Events

Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
Click here to send us your pictures and video pix@wsaz.com
CNN.com News Headlines
WSAZ.com Sponsor Sections & Links
SOMC-Very good things are happening here SOMC
Very good things are happening here. Click here to learn more
Click here for closing and delays
Click here for school closings and delays
West Virginia Lottery nightly @ 6:59pm on WSAZ click here for numbers and drawings
Watch the Lottery Live Monday - Saturday @ 6:59pm on WSAZ NewsChannel 3. Need to check your numbers? Click here.
Ohio Lottery
Watch the Ohio Lottery Drawings weeknights @ 7:29pm and Cash Explosion Saturday @ 7:30pm on WSAZ NewsChannel 3.
WSAZ Children's Charitable Foundation
Click here to donate and help WSAZ help children at risk in our region. Thank you.
Making Moms LIfe Easier - with Diane Dimoff
Click here to see how our partners are making Moms and women's lives easier.