A Lexington, Kentucky VA hospital found that it reduced its claims payments from among the highest in its class to among the lowest. Additionally, the its liability has been moderate and comparable to those of similar facilities. Janet Rice, president of the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association, dismisses fear of increased litigation, noting that medical malpractice cases represent a tiny percentage of civil lawsuits filed in Washington. Only 515 medical malpractice suits were filed in 1998. Nothing short of the truth will heal the system, says Rice.
Consumers have a right to know which medical institutions and professionals are the safest.
Barbara Flye is the Executive Director of Washington Citzen Action, a statewide non-profit consumer rights organization of 50,000 members.