This month, our Chicago brain injury lawyers have been discussing various aspects of nontraumatic and traumatic brain injury in honor of national Brain Injury Awareness month. It is fitting that Congress has enacted its landmark health care reform law this month.
Many individuals and families inflicted with catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injury or other forms of brain damage, do not currently have health insurance. Many of these people cannot afford health insurance to begin with, or were dropped by their insurance companies after developing these costly medical conditions. Now, hopefully, these individuals and families will be afforded the insurance coverage that others take for granted, and will receive proper medical treatment and preventative care.
Passen & Powell’s Chicago personal injury lawyers are pleased to report that the House bill, which approved the Senate reform plan, is free of any provision that would limit the rights of patients injured by medical malpractice. The only provision addressing medical liability reform, which includes an “alternatives to litigation program,” provides an absolute opt-out for plaintiffs — meaning plaintiffs can instead choose the traditional civil justice system to ensure their rights are protected.
However, advocates for victims of medical malpractice are not completely out of the woods yet as it relates to this federal health care reform. After President Obama signs the bill on Tuesday, the Senate will begin debate on passing a “reconciliation patch” to the bill (as previously agreed to by the House). During this debate, “tort reform” amendments will be introduced, which are designed to limit the rights of patients and protect the insurance companies. Our Chicago personal injury lawyers are confident that Congress will reject those attempts at limiting the rights of patients.
For a Free Consultation with a top-rated injury lawyer at Passen & Powell, call us at (312) 527-4500.