Attack the Problem Not the Patient
How many reasoned voices will it take before people realize that skyrocketing malpractice rates are unrelated to malpractice lawsuits? The latest voice is Ken Conner, Chairman of the Center for a Just Society. The Society has a broad conservative agenda but still recognizes the importance of the civil justice system. Mr. Conner also served as Florida Governor Jeb Bush's attorney in the Terri Schiavo case.
Clearly Mr. Conner would not side with the Plaintiff's Bar on many issues, but he agrees with one. Malpractice insurance prices have no relation to actual insurance payouts.
Consider one of the facts that persuaded Mr. Conner. Healthcare Indemnity, Inc., charged doctors an extra $173 million even though the company's payouts had decreased by more than $170 million during the same timeframe. Mr. Conner states: "Of course, you'd never know those facts listening to the spin coming out of the insurance industry. The industry's clear strategy is to blame injured patients and their attorneys in order to deflect attention from their averice."
It takes bravery for a man in Ken Conner's position to come forward with the truth regarding skyrocketing malpractice rates. We can only hope that this becomes a trend.
I encourage everyone to read his entire statement found here.