Illinois Supreme Court Strikes Down State Medical Malpractice Cap

Earlier this month, the Illinois Supreme Court struck down a medical malpractice statute that had limited the amount of money a victim of medical malpractice could recover for pain and suffering from a hospital or health care provider. The 2005 law had created a cap of $1,000,000 on any award for pain and suffering against a hospital and $500,000 on any award for pain and suffering against an individual health care provider. As in Maryland, proponents of the legislation (doctors and insurance companies) had argued that caps on monetary damages were the only and best way to curb rising health care insurance costs/premiums. In striking down the law, the Illinois Supreme Court found that the law violated the State’s separation of powers clause between branches of government by permitting the legislature to interfere with the jury’s right to determine and award damages.

In Maryland, a similar cap on non-economic damages exists. To date, efforts to have the cap overturned have been unsuccessful despite similar arguments to those made in Illinois being raised.

For medical malpractice claims arising after January 1, 2010 in Maryland, if there is only one wrongful death beneficiary, the maximum non–economic recovery for that medical negligence is $680,000. If there are 2 or more wrongful death beneficiaries, the maximum non–economic recovery is $850,000. For claims arising after January 1, 2011, if there is only one wrongful death beneficiary, the maximum non-economic recovery for that medical negligence is $695,000. If there are 2 or more wrongful death beneficiaries, the maximum non-economic recovery is $868,750. For claims arising after January 1, 2012, if there is only one wrongful death beneficiary, the maximum non-economic recovery for that medical negligence is $710,000. If there are 2 or more wrongful death beneficiaries, the maximum non-economic recovery is $887,500. For claims arising after January 1, 2013, if there is only one wrongful death beneficiary, the maximum non-economic recovery for that medical negligence is $725,000. If there are 2 or more wrongful death beneficiaries, the maximum non-economic recovery is $906,250.

These caps, of course, do not take into account a patient’s economic losses — future medical expenses, past medical expenses, past or future loss of earnings, out of pocket expenses — sums that are added to the caps on non-economic damages in order to reach a total maximum possible award.

For reasons that our lawyers do not agree with, if a loved one is injured or dies in Maryland as a result of medical malpractice, these maximum caps are significantly lower than the maximum cap that applies if that same person were to die as the result of a negligent automobile user or negligence on the job. This remains a hot-button topic in the Maryland legislature and amongst lawyers, doctors and insurance companies. The lawyers at STSW strongly believe that this bill unfairly penalizes the victims of medical negligence, who, through no fault of their own, have been victimized by medical negligence. It is our hope that the unfairness associated with this statute will soon be recognized by the highest courts in Maryland and struck down, much in the same manner as the Illinois Supreme Court did with its similar statute.

Client Reviews

Great Lawyer and staff, very diligent and organized about gathering facts and information. Keeps you informed every step of the way. Very helpful with explaining the process in layman's terms and offering sound advice. Successful negotiations with settling the suit. Overall very...

Christine

Andy is an incredible person and lawyer. He studies the case and works hard preparing. He takes over the courtroom, but always very professional and courteous, but all eye and ear are on his every word when he speaks, and presence his well thought out case. I was scared, knowing...

Kathy

Andy represented me and my firm many years ago in a very complex civil litigation matter. I knew he was smart (Duke Law School) and I knew he was successful (several $100 million recoveries), but I was astounded how hard he works. He spends the time to read every word on every...

Steve

Contact Us

  1. 1 Free Consultation
  2. 2 Available 24/7
  3. 3 No Fee Unless You Win
Complete the contact form or call us at (800) 385-2243 to schedule your free consultation.

Leave Us a Message