Missouri Lawmakers to Pursue Medical Liability Limits

Missouri lawmakers have their eyes on reinstating liability caps for medical malpractice cases after the state Supreme Court struck down the limits last summer.

The high court concluded a 2005 law was unconstitutional. It had capped noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases at $350,000.

Supporters of limiting damages say the cap is important for reducing health care costs and helping to keep doctors in Missouri. Opponents argue the right to a jury trial is the lynchpin for all basic liberties and must be protected.

Republican leaders have said they want to address liability limits. Legislation and state constitutional amendments have been proposed. Lawmakers return to the state Capitol on Jan. 9 for the start of the 2013 legislative session.

Latest Comments

• January 9, 2013 at 6:57 pm

  Huh! says:

  A cap of $350,000 for non-economic damage is more than fair. That still allows the plaintiff to recover more for economic damages.
• January 8, 2013 at 2:28 am

  michaelend says:

  Scott, The Founding Fathers thought enough about the importance of the jury trial that they created the 7th Amendment to protect that right. Missouri, with a population of mor... read more
• January 7, 2013 at 2:30 pm

  Scott says:

  The opposition is led by the Trial Lawyers Association. Apparently, they think this law would prevent them from {cough} helping people.