Pennsylvania nursing homes are looking to limit their liability when taken to court, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
According to the article, “A bill passed by the state House last fall… would limit punitive damages for long-term care homes to no more than double compensatory damages unless there is intentional misconduct.”
The nursing homes argue that physicians sued for medical malpractice already enjoy these limits, and they should receive the same treatment.
They’re afraid they can be taken down with one big lawsuit. In most cases skilled nursing and personal care home operators will agree to settle a case out of court 70 to 80 percent of the time.
The new bill would not limit the amount of compensation, but would only affect the punishments doled out to offending nursing homes.
Pennsylvania had the second-highest medical malpractice payout amount in 2011.
Take action if a loved one has been abused or neglected at a care facility. For a free initial consultation, contact the Kosieradzki Smith Law Firm online or toll free at (877) 552-2873 today.
