OHSU, trial lawyers agree on liability cap

Summary

Oregon Health & Science University and the state's trial lawyers have proposed a new limit for damage claims against government agencies. The sides recommend the current liability cap of $200,000 be boosted to $1.5 million next summer.

Story Published: Sep 11, 2008 at 5:42 PM PST

Story Updated: Nov 21, 2008 at 1:05 AM PST

OHSU, trial lawyers agree on liability cap

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Oregon Health & Science University and the state's trial lawyers have proposed a new limit for damage claims against government agencies.

The sides recommend the current liability cap of $200,000 be boosted to $1.5 million next summer.

The recommendation needs approval from legislators, the governor's office, and other government agencies that would be affected.

Many state agencies are covered by Oregon's liability cap. But OHSU has the most at stake because of the expense that comes with medical malpractice claims.

The state Supreme Court effectively tossed out the liability cap last December when it gave the family of Jordaan Clarke permission to pursue a $17 million medical malpractice lawsuit against OHSU.

The boy suffered permanent brain damage when a breathing tube became dislodged in the recovery room following surgery.

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press.

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