The stories looked at the dramatic decline in the number of medical malpractice lawsuits filed in Wisconsin while the assets of a unique state-managed insurance fund for doctors and hospitals grew to more than $1.1 billion. Among the findings: ? A series of state laws and court rulings are keeping people with legitimate medical malpractice claims from finding attorneys willing to take their cases. The most startling Wisconsin law is a measure that allows only spouses, minor children or the parents of minor children to file lawsuits for deaths caused by medical malpractice. No state has a stricter limitation. ? The number of medical malpractice lawsuits filed in Wisconsin fell to 140 last year, a drop of more than 50% since 1999. Meanwhile, the assets in the Wisconsin Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund have grown from $500 million in 1999 to $1.15 billion in March 2014. (It has since grown to $1.18 billion as of June 20, 2014.) ? The state’s Medical Mediation Panels — an arm of the state Supreme Court created to resolve medical malpractice claims — are virtually useless. Of the 302 claims filed with the agency in 2012 and 2013, more than 60% end up listed as “expired,” meaning they died because of procedural or scheduling problems. Only 67 — or 22% — actually went to a hearing, and only two of those were resolved at their hearings. ? The medical lobby, through bipartisan political contributions and support from the business community, has put together an impressive record of getting legislation through the state Capitol. The trial lawyers’ lobby, on the other hand, contributes almost exclusively to Democrats and generally have few allies when pushing for or against legislation. For example, 32 lobbying groups recently registered to support a bill that would prevent a doctor’s apology to a patient from being used against the physician in court. Only two groups, including the trial lawyers organization, registered in opposition of the bill, which is now law. ? Medical malpractice insurance companies are experiencing boom times, posting profits for eight consecutive years. One large insurer recorded a 103% profit margin on its premiums nationwide in 2010.
