Local business, medical leaders want civil justice reform

By By William F. West / community editor
Sept. 5, 2002
A group of local business and medical leaders says civil justice reform is needed in Mississippi to change the negative image created by the state's legal climate.
The big problem, they say, is that people can sue for damages and receive an unlimited amount of monetary awards if successful.
Nicholson's comments came shortly before he and other Community Bank leaders conducted an asset protection seminar Wednesday evening at Northwood Country Club.
Some say large damages awarded by Mississippi juries are saddling doctors and hospitals with higher costs and making it difficult for them to secure medical malpractice insurance.
Others say limiting cash awards in lawsuits could hurt people who have legitimate claims. Some blame the malpractice insurance problem on the insurance companies themselves.
State lawmakers return to the Capitol today for a special session on the medical malpractice issue. Gov. Ronnie Musgrove has said he may expand the call to include general civil justice reform.
Some say general civil justice reform, commonly called tort reform, is just as important.
Investment expert Stacey Wall of Jackson said both sides make good points. But he also said he would like trial lawyers, physicians and legislators to join together and make some progress.