South Florida medical malpractice cases difficult for both sides

Medical malpractice cases can drag on for years, exacting an emotional toll on both sides when in the end neither side really feels like the winner. About three-fourths of cases that go to trial end in the doctor's favor, but lawsuits are costly and physicians blame their patients' propensity to sue for changing how they practice. In response to a flurry of medical malpractice cases, the Florida Legislature in 2003 capped "pain-and-suffering" damages at $150,000 for emergency room patients and $500,000 for all others. Since then, one-third fewer cases have been filed, several insurance companies have returned to Florida and premiums have decreased.