ODI: Liability closed claims down 40 percent since tort reform passed

A new report from the Ohio Department of Insurance has found that the number of medical liability closed claims has dropped 40 percent since tort reform was enacted in 2005 (Source: “Tort reforms cited in Ohio’s medical claims decline,” Dayton Daily News, Feb. 3, 2010).

The annual Ohio Medical Liability Closed Claim Report is mandated as part of the tort reform legislation. Among the provision in the tort reform law is capping noneconomic damages at $350,000 and limitations on claims. According to the Ohio State Medical Association, which was a strong supporter of the legislation, premiums have decreased by an average of 22 percent since the bill was passed.