OHSU's $200K malpractice cap under scrutiny

OHSU's $200K malpractice cap under scrutiny

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Story Published: Apr 23, 2007 at 9:46 AM PST

Story Updated: Sep 26, 2008 at 11:43 AM PST

By KATU Web Staff

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SALEM, Ore. - The president of Oregon Health & Science University was in Salem Monday looking for support for his organization's controversial malpractice lawsuit award cap.

OHSU has a state-legislated liability cap of $200,000 in malpractice cases. Critics charge the cap is unconstitutional and the Oregon Supreme Court is considering taking up the case.

A former KATU anchorman, Ken Ackerman,  successfully sued OHSU and was awarded $1.4 million over what he called a botched back surgery in 2003.

On Monday, lawmakers were expecting to hear testimony from OHSU President Joe Robertson in relation to the liability cap.

Some argue that the cap short-changes patients that end up needing life-long care due to surgical mistakes that take place at the sprawling Portland hospital.

There is also a bill moving through Salem that would effectively overturn the cap.

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