TO:
CCJ
Trustees
FROM:
Peter Guzzo
DATE:
March 11, 2003
SUBJECT:
US House to Vote Thursday, March 13th on
Malpractice/
H.R. 5, the insurance industry’s radical proposal to restrict the
rights of patients and their families, will be debated and voted upon on
Thursday, March, 13th.
Earlier this week, by a narrow vote, H.R. 5 was approved by the Judiciary
and Energy & Commerce Committees.
Here’s what H.R. 5 would do: In
medical malpractice cases, in product liability cases regarding drugs and
medical devices, and in cases alleging nursing home negligence and HMO
misconduct, H.R. 5 would preempt State law and impose a $250,000,
one-size-fits-all cap on non-economic damages.
And, in all of these same cases, the bill would eliminate joint
liability, cap punitive damages, require the periodic payment of future damages,
and establish a Statute of Limitations more restrictive than under any State
law.
Please contact New Jersey’s Congresspersons and ask them to oppose
H.R. 5 in the name of victims, seniors, and the young!