Tort Reform Passes

Mississippi Gov. Ronnie Musgrove (D) has signed into law a tort reform bill that places caps on monetary damages in malpractice lawsuits. The law, which applies to all cases filed after January 1, 2003, imposes a $500,000 cap on damages for pain and suffering. It also mandates that malpractice suits must be filed in the county where the alleged incident of malpractice occurred.

In addition, the law grants malpractice immunity to physicians if they have prescribed an FDA-approved drug. The law also abolishes joint and several liability for noneconomic damages and reduces it for actual economic damages. ▪