Top

Los Angeles Times Prints Correction by Rice & Bloomfield

Last Sunday the Los Angeles Times printed an article indicating that a family was seeking $45 million from King Harbor hospital for medical malpractice causing the death of a patient. The story was misleading, leaving readers with the impression that medical malpractice victims can get rich from lawsuits.

When doctor’s negligence, when their mistakes hurt people, the 1975 MICRA law, prevents patients from obtaining justice. The law limits recovery for pain and suffering to $250,000. When first passed, it prevented patients from recovering full compensation for their injuries.

Now, 30 years later, as costs of litigation have gone up but the $250,000 has not changed. As a result, people injured by doctors errors are finding that they often cannot get a lawyer to take their case.

The article published last Sunday indicates that the family is suing for $45 million dollars, but does not mention that their recovery will be limited to $250,000. In response, Linda Rice sent a letter to the Los Angeles Times correcting the error. That letter was published on November 11, 2007.

As printed in the Times, Linda wrote: “A jury might think $45 million is fair and just compensation to the family of the woman who died while hospital personnel ignored her cries of pain for nearly an hour. But the judge will automatically reduce any possible verdict to $250,000 — the most in noneconomic damages anyone can recover for any injury or death caused by a healthcare provider. The cap was passed at the behest of the insurance industry and medical establishment more than three decades ago. Because it has never been changed or adjusted — even for inflation — we may be reaching a point at which letting patients die is more cost-effective than treating them. The public needs to understand this. This article promotes the misconception that people who sue doctors end up rich. That isn’t possible in California.”

Rice & bloomfield Our Approach
  • We're Ready for Anything
    To us, there’s no such thing as over-preparing. Even if your case is straightforward, we’ll have Plans B and C ready to go in case the matter escalates or goes to trial.
  • We Cut to the Chase
    If you choose to work with us, you’ll see that we don’t make false promises. We set clear, realistic expectations from the get-go so you can make informed decisions.
  • We Work As a Team
    We handle the vast majority of our cases individually to save our clients money, but we brainstorm together to ensure we’ve examined the possibilities from every angle.
Get A Free & Confidential COnsultation Contact Us

Whether you have questions or you’re ready to get started, our dedicated team is ready to help. Complete our form below or call us at (818) 600-7966.

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.