Should Pennsylvania Limit Jury Awards on Pain and Suffering in Medical Malpractice Lawsuits?
Pennsylvania is anticipating doctor shortages in the next ten years due to the aging of the medical doctor population in the state. Current trends for new Pennsylvania-trained doctors indicate that they are leaving Pennsylvania in large numbers to set up practices in other states. A contributing factor for the exodus of young doctors is the generally higher costs for medical malpractice insurance in Pennsylvania. Several states have lowered medical malpractice insurance rates by placing caps on jury awards. Capping pain and suffering awards would require a constitutional amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution due to the wording of Article III Section 18, which prohibits the Legislature from limiting damages awarded by a jury.
The public is invited to attend a debate sponsored by Citizens’ Caucus at a breakfast meeting on October 17. The speakers will debate the question: Resolved – That Pennsylvania should cap medical malpractice awards for pain and suffering.
Debating Affirmative is J. Scott Chadwick, Esq. Director of Governmental Affairs, the Pennsylvania Medical Society.
Mr. Chadwick is a member of the National Advisory Board of the Guthrie Healthcare System in Sayre, PA. He is the son, grandson and great grandson of doctors. A practicing lawyer, Mr. Chadwick is a graduate of Bucknell University and the Villanova University School of Law.
Debating negative is Bernerd A. Buzgon, Esq. Partner Buzgon Davis, Lebanon, PA.
Mr. Buzgon practices personal injury, family law, insurance defense, business law, and estate planning. He holds degrees in Business and Economics from Lebanon Valley College and a Law degree from Dickinson School of Law.
• Saturday, October 17, 2009, 8AM
• Mt. Gretna Fire Hall on Boulevard Street - South off Route 117 – across from the Hide-A-Way Restaurant.
• A breakfast buffet will be served at 8 AM.
• $10.00 for Citizens’ Caucus members and $12.00 for non-members (includes breakfast) .
• Call 717-964 1802 for reservations. Seating is limited.
• Parking is to the rear of the fire hall. .
Citizens’ Caucus is a non-sectarian, non-partisan citizens’ issue study group. General meetings, open to the public, are scheduled quarterly. Membership is open to all citizens who wish to participate in planning and organizing our public meetings. Annual membership dues are $10.00.
Contact:
Herbert. H. Braden, Chairman. 717-964-1802