As one of 31 states, Texas has passed legislation and measures limiting the quantity of financial compensation granted in medical malpractice lawsuits. In September 2003, this Texas state statute became operative for the first time. It restricts the indemnification obtained in a medical error suit for suffering and pain to a ceiling of $250,000. The amount which can be awarded for medical costs or lost pay has no limit. Advocates for the law contend that it has reduced the number of cases brought, quoting data showing that the average compensation for a comparable award in Texas is approximately $199,000.