Friday, February 18, 2005
Contact: Paul Sloca, (573)751-0290
Governor Visits St. Louis to Discuss Legislative Efforts on Tort Reform
ST. LOUIS - Missouri Governor Matt Blunt met today with St. Louis physicians to discuss the Legislature’s quick action on meaningful litigation and medical malpractice reforms designed to improve Missourians’ access to health care and improve the state’s business climate.
The Missouri House overwhelmingly passed major tort reform legislation earlier this week and sent the bill to the Senate for consideration.
"As a candidate and as governor, I have pledged to support litigation reform and medical malpractice reform and I am pleased that the Legislature is acting so quickly and decisively on these important issues on behalf of the people of Missouri," Blunt said during a visit to St. Anthony’s Medical Center in St. Louis. "This legislation will prevent physicians from being forced out of this state because of soaring medical malpractice costs while at the same time ensuring that small businesses will be able to flourish without the threat of outrageous legal awards hanging over their heads."
As part of his tort reform legislative package, Blunt supports limits on punitive and non-economic damages, restrictions on so-called venue shopping and increased sanctions against unscrupulous attorneys who file frivolous lawsuits.
The governor supports a non-economic damage cap of $250,000 in medical malpractice cases, which has been successfully used by other states to address litigation reform. Blunt also wants to eliminate joint and several liability, a rule that runs counter to fairness and common sense. Under the current system, a party can be forced to pay 100 percent of a settlement even if they are only 1 percent liable.
"Missourians who deserve access to health care and businesses trying to create jobs have been denied those opportunities repeatedly in the last two years. They will be denied no more," Blunt said. " Not only will litigation reform improve health care but it will also help Missouri’s small businesses create jobs and economic opportunity."
The tort reform legislation is sponsored by Rep. Richard Byrd, R-Kirkwood, and House Speaker Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill.
"This legislation represents our commitment to job creation and strengthening our health care system," Blunt said. "I am looking forward to working with lawmakers, physicians and health care providers on these important issues in the months ahead and I am confident that we will solve the medical and legal crises currently facing our state and its citizens."