Congress is considering legislation to make it more difficult for injury victims and their families to pursue just compensation through lawsuits and hold negligent parties accountable for their carelessness. House Resolution 1215, which bears the deceptive title “Protecting Access to Care Act of 2017,” favors the insurance and health care industries over injury victims and at-risk patients in cases related to medical malpractice, nursing home neglect or abuse, and dangerous prescription drugs or medical devices.
H.R. 1215 would cap noneconomic damages in lawsuits against health care providers at $250,000—even in wrongful death cases that involve multiple defendants—and limit the periodic payment of future damages. The measure would also grant immunity in product liability cases to health care workers who prescribe or dispense prescription drugs.
This bill would reduce accountability for the health care community while increasing the burden on injury victims and hampering attorneys’ abilities to secure adequate compensation for those with extensive medical expenses or who require costly long-term care. If you agree that it is unacceptable for Congress to restrict your rights and eliminate your ability to hold certain health care providers liable, please contact your representatives and ask them to vote “No” on H.R. 1215.
The U.S. House of Representatives will vote on H.R. 1215 next week, so it’s important to act as soon as possible. Please visit www.takejusticeback.com to learn more about the measure and find contact information for your local officials in Congress. The site also features a sample letter you can forward to your representatives.
Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. Together, we can preserve fair access to the civil justice system.
