(914) 220-1086Tom Baker is a professor of law and health sciences at the University of Pennsylvania School of Law and author of “The Medical Malpractice Myth”. In an August 31, 2009 interview with Anne Underwood of the New York Times, Professor Baker explains, in understandable language, why tort reform would NOT reduce the costs of medical care.
He points out that three separate studies in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, found that approximately 1 serious injury occurs out of every 100 hospitalization. The same study also found that only 4-7 percent of individuals harmed by medical malpractice pursue claims. Therefore, based on the available research, it is apparent that not enough people pursue medical malpractice claims, not too many. Professor Baker calls the notion that there are lots of frivolous medical malpractice lawsuits “ludicrous.”
For the transcript of the entire interview, please click on the link below.
Website Resources:
Would Tort Reform Lower Costs?, New York Times, Anne Underwood, August 31, 2009.
