Abstracts » Law

Tort reformers race against time to pass a bill

Article Abstract:

Backers of changes in tort laws hope a House-Senate conference committee can resolve the two chambers' bills by soon after the Aug 1995 recess. However, opponents of federal tort reform can point out that 18 states have passed such laws already, with measures pending in six more, and a Dept of Justice study shows excessive punitive damage awards are rare. The House bill caps punitive damages, limits pain-and-suffering awards for medical malpractice to $250,000, and would make many lawsuit losers pay all costs. The Senate measure is narrower and addresses only products liability.

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Tort reformers try again - modestly

Article Abstract:

The Republican supporters of tort reform do not feel deterred by 2 years of presidential vetoes and vow to still get something passed. The Senate Commerce Committee held hearings on Mar 4, 1997 on a products liability law which would limit punitive damages and abolish joint-and-several liability for noneconomic awards. This is very similar to the scaled-back proposal which emerged from a House-Senate conference committee in 1996. Other provisions of the law are listed.

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