New research published in the latest issue of Journal of Empirical Legal Studies examines Texas medical malpractice claims and finds no tort crisis. Instead, the study's authors find that, over a 15-year period, the system was largely stable and generated few significant changes in claim frequencies, payments, or jury verdicts. "Average payments on medical malpractice claims rose because small claims were squeezed out of the system over time, not because payments on larger claims increased," the authors explain.

The authors used a comprehensive database of insured closed claims maintained by the Texas Department of Insurance since 1988. The data presented a picture of stability in most respects and only moderate change in others. Their research also revealed a weak connection between claims-related costs and short-to-medium fluctuations in insurance premiums. "Our hope is that better understanding of the claims process will lead to reforms that address real shortcomings in the malpractice litigation and claims payment systems, rather than respond to anecdotes or the rhetoric of crisis" the authors Bernard Black, Charles Silver, David A. Hyman and William M. Sage conclude.

This study is published in the July issue of Journal of Empirical Legal Studies. MEDIA wishing to receive a PDF of this article please contact journalnews@bos.blackwellpublishing.net

The Journal of Empirical Legal Studies (JELS) is a peer-edited, peer-refereed, interdisciplinary journal that publishes high-quality, empirically-oriented articles of interest to scholars in a diverse range of law and law-related fields, including civil justice, corporate law, criminal justice, domestic relations, economics, finance, health care, political science, psychology, public policy, securities regulation, and sociology.

Bernard S. Black practiced corporate and securities law at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flo
'"/>

Contact: Jill Yablonski
Journalnews@bos.blackwellpublishing.net
781-388-8448
Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
6-Jul-2005

Page: 1 2
Related medicine news :

1. Test project of patient-centered medical home model endorsed by American College of Physicians
2. Heroes of Chemistry honored for medical, energy, environmental breakthroughs
3. Refusal of medical and surgical interventions common among chronically ill elderly
4. W.M. Keck Foundation announces 2007 class of Distinguished Young Scholars in medical research
5. When minority patients have insurance and a medical home, their health care improves
6. Extended duration work shifts risky to the safety, well-being of medical interns, patients
7. Students with medical-related majors more likely to have poor quality sleep
8. Brightening prospects of using fluorescent nanotubes in medical applications
9. World first medical treatment announced by researchers
10. The general public lacks basic medical knowledge
11. Limiting eligibility for medical studies can omit women and African-Americans