Malpractice Rates Fall for Texas Medmal Trust

Obese? Trial Lawyers Say Sue Someone; NAMIC Comments

Texas Insurer Cuts Medical Malpractice Rates Following enactment of a new law and Texas constitutional amendment allowing a cap on jury awards and limiting insurance companies' liability, Texas' largest medical liability insurance provider has lowered its malpractice rates have been decreased by 17 percent during the past year.

The Texas Medical Liability Trust (TMLT) announced on Monday, Sept. 20, that it would lower its rates by 5 percent beginning in January 2005. This rate reduction follows a 12 percent decrease last January.
Prior to the new law taking effect, TMLT had raised its rates by 146.7 percent between 1999 and 2003.
"This is great news and puts reform opponents in a tough position," said NAMIC Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs Peter Bisbecos. "The situation is clearly improving: 13 new insurers have entered the Texas market which will eventually lead to competitive pricing, premiums have "stabilized," and doctors are returning.

One company does not make a trend, but it does refute this kind of claim.