Striking Down Medical Liability Reforms Another Blow to Illinois' Poor Lawsuit Climate

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Lisa A. Rickard, president of the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform (ILR), made the following statement on today's ruling by the Illinois Supreme Court which struck down the state's medical malpractice law:

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"Today's ruling by the Illinois Supreme Court is yet another blow to the state's reputation as a haven for lawsuit abuse.  This decision only benefits the plaintiffs' lawyers who have long preyed upon doctors, hospitals and other health care providers in the state.  Patients are the losers in this case.  

"The court's decision is also a repudiation of Illinois' duly-elected legislature, which passed these vital liability reforms under intense pressure from their constituents in order to protect access to quality health care for their citizens."

ILR seeks to promote civil justice reform through legislative, political, judicial, and educational activities at the national, state, and local levels.

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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SOURCE U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform