Wis. Proposal Would Expand Malpractice Suits to Parents of Adults

A bill passed by the Wisconsin Senate would give parents of adult children who die as a result of medical malpractice the ability to file lawsuits.

Right now, parents of adult children in Wisconsin can’t sue for malpractice deaths. Adult children also don’t have the right to sue if their parents die because of malpractice.

The bill would give both classes legal standing. Its author, Democratic Sen. Jeff Plale of South Milwaukee, says they deserve a day in court.

Republican Sen. Alberta Darling of River Hills counters the state’s patients compensation fund, which goes to malpractice claims, is in the red and this is no time to expand the client pool.

Latest Comments

• January 25, 2008 at 12:25 pm

  Active Parent says:

  My son at 19 is considered an "adult child" and I don't expect him to move out, buy a car, rent an apartment, pay his bills, or drop out of college because I wasn't there to h... read more
• January 25, 2008 at 10:39 am

  Howard Citron says:

  Interesing bill. I wonder if this will act as a catalyst for other states to expand the category of plaintiff who have standing to raise a medical malpractice claim. Is ther... read more
• January 25, 2008 at 9:07 am

  Anon says:

  Already happens in nursing homes. Children and Grandchildren, who haven't been to the nursing home in years to see Grandma are suing because of wrongful death. Why is this a... read more