On its front page, the New York Times (6/13, Glaberson, Subscription Publication) reports on “a new way of handling medical malpractice suits,” known as “judge-directed negotiation,” which “is seen by the Obama administration as offering states a way to curb liability expenses that have sharply increased health care costs nationally. Getting judges involved earlier, more often and much more actively in pushing for settlements, is its crucial ingredient.” The Times adds, “New York officials say the program bypasses years of court battles, limiting legal costs while providing injured patients with compensation that is likely to be less than a jury would award but can be paid out years earlier, without lengthy appeals.” – From the American Association for justice News Brief of June 13, 2011.
In Pennsylvania there are special laws and procedural rules that apply specifically to medical malpractice lawsuits. It would make good sense to consider this “judge-directed “ approach to speed up the process. Currently there are lengthy delays that could be eliminated. At Liever ,Hyman & Potter in Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania, we try to meet our clients’ needs by moving their cases to as prompt a conclusion to the extent permitted by our Court rules. We try to keep the clients informed as the process moves along. If you or a family member has been the victim of negligent medical care or nursing home care and that care has severely injured you or a family member, email us or give us a call to discuss your situation and get the answers that you deserve.
From the desk of John R. Badal, President of the Liever, Hyman & Potter law firm -serving Berks County and Schuylkill County since 1959.