"Liability Crisis" Survey fares well for Indiana

Christina Cole

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The American Medical Association says that Indiana is relatively doctor-friendly in comparison when it comes to state laws that govern malpractice suits and medical liability.

The AMA says the Hoosier state is among eight other states in "stable" condition in what it describes as the country in a "medical liability crisis."

The survey claims excessive malpractice awards are forcing doctors out of practice and limiting patient access to medical care within 17 states, which rates as being in a "crisis." Michigan, along with 25 other states, are in a "cautious" condition.

Indiana lawmakers approved medical liability reform way back in 1975 when Dr. Otis Bowen, a physician from Bremen, was governor.

The law put a cap on total damages (now $1.25 million) and established a statewide compensation fund that limits the liability of individual physicians.