Hep C suits might not tap hospital's 'deep pockets'

Exeter Hospital could face millions of dollars in damages from lawsuits filed by cardiac patients who were infected with hepatitis C while undergoing procedures there. But some experts say even if those patients win in court, the hospital may not have to pay the full bill. Personal-injury attorneys interviewed last week point to a state law that could keep infected patients from tapping the "deep pockets" of the hospital and its insurance carrier if a jury decides someone was more at fault than the hospital—such as an employee acting criminally.