Lawsuit reform law takes effect Monday

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ A new law reforming medical liability lawsuits takes effect tomorrow and one health official says it still needs fine-tuning. <br/><br/>The reform limits damages for pain and suffering

Sunday, October 31st 2004, 5:26 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ A new law reforming medical liability lawsuits takes effect tomorrow and one health official says it still needs fine-tuning.

The reform limits damages for pain and suffering to 300-thousand dollars in some instances. Doctor Jack Beller says an across-the-board limit is needed.

While the bill was being debated in the Legislature, health officials, their insurance companies and the trial lawyers announced an agreement not to seek further lawsuit reforms for six years.

Tony Laizure of the state trial lawyers association says Beller's comment shows medical officials don't keep their word.

The new law also limits liability when two or more people are responsible for damages. It also sets penalties for filing frivolous lawsuits.