Task force: No malpractice crisis in Delaware

DOVER - A legislative task force reviewing medical malpractice insurance issued recommendations but stopped short of suggesting Delaware should place a "cap" on jury "pain and suffering" awards for medical negligence.

In fact, the group's report to the General Assembly said Delaware is considerably better off than neighboring states in terms of the availability affordability and stability of medical malpractice insurance for physicians and other health care providers.

The task force was created last year after lawmakers decided not to vote on a measure that would have placed a $250,000 limit on pain and suffering awards.

Rep. Wayne A. Smith, R-Brandywine Hundred North, sponsored the bill. He said he had been advised insurance companies were leaving the state because of high jury awards in medical malpractice cases.

Other states, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania, are reporting "crisis" situations in which doctors threaten to walk off their jobs to protest high insurance premiums.