Opinion ID: 895143
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Because the Legislature intended a quick dismissal of frivolous claims and trial of meritorious claims, a defendant asserting a report's inadequacy must immediately appeal to preserve the right to dismissal.

Text: A bright line rule that requires an immediate appeal is superior to the alternative and consistent with the statute's broader design. Give the defendant a procedural means to test the legitimacy of the claim in the first instance. If refuted by the trial court, give him an immediate appeal. Weak claims will die and the defendant will be made whole; the system will avert the crisis meritless claims impose on society because others will be deterred. Even if the claim is good, the claimant will lose if she proffers a report that masks its worth. And because the lawyer hired to vindicate a good claim will know that half measures will not suffice, she will devote greater resources at the initial stage. The defendant, for strategic reasons (thinking the cost of appeal outweighs the risk of trial) or prudent ones (assessing the report as sufficiently chronicling an actionable breach of the standard of care)still may elect to try the case, but would then be limited to arguing the merits. This approach ensures that a meritorious case is not unduly restricted, while preserving an argument on appeal that no or insufficient evidence requires reversal. VI