Missouri lawmakers want to change Supreme Court decision with legislation
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Missouri lawmakers want to change Supreme Court decision with legislation

Date: February 4, 2013
By: Brendan Cullerton
State Capitol Bureau
Links: SB 64, SB 105

Intro: 
The Senate Judiciary Committee was warned Monday, Feb. 4, that physicans will leave the state if a cap on medical malpractice payouts is not implemented, leading to less quality care within the state. If you're harmed by an incompetent doctor, you would be limited in how much money you could get, if a Missouri bill passes.
RunTime:  0:39
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The state Supreme Court has ruled caps on quality of life damages unconstitutional, but Republican Senator Dan Brown's bill would bring these caps back.

A representative for gynecologists says these caps aren't fair to doctors, who just want to help.

Actuality:  GYNO.WAV
Run Time:  00:10
Description: "Do what's right to help us, serve you, your family, your friends, your colleagues, and the people of the state of Missouri."

A representative for Missouri attorneys says cap limits violate the victim's seventh amendment right to a jury trial.

Nobody was certain that changing the law would reverse the Supreme Court's decision.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Brendan Cullerton.

Intro: 
If a couple state lawmakers get their way, it will be more difficult for a victim of medical malpractice to receive money for noneconomic damages.
RunTime:  0:39
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Republican Senator Dan Brown's bill would reinstate a cap on quality of life damages that the state Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional last year.

The president of a group representing doctors says the state has reinstated the caps before, and the effect on insurance companies had a negative effect on Missouri. 

Actuality:  DOCPRES.WAV
Run Time:  00:05
Description: "Two choices I guess they could either raise rates or leave the state, and we saw both."

Republican Senator Bob Dixon's bill would make it harder to prove medical malpractice for quality of life damages.

A representative for state attorneys says returning the caps would violate the seventh amendment right to a jury.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Brendan Cullerton.