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Emily Woodruff / The Advocate
Louisiana’s nearly 50-year-old medical malpractice law could again be up for debate in this year’s legislative session.
Two proposals, Senate Bill 212 sponsored by state Sen. Greg Miller, R-Norco, and Senate Bill 366 sponsored by state Sen. Jimmy Harris, D-New Orleans, would reshape how malpractice cases are filed and how much injured patients can recover.
At the center of both bills is Louisiana’s $500,000 cap on damages for mistakes made by physicians or hospitals when treating patients. The limit, which has not increased in 50 years, excludes future medical care. But it includes compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages and other damages tied to the injury or death.