Medical liability crisis isn't new, but implications today are more alarming

Medical liability crisisisn't new, but implications today are more alarming
EDITOR:
The July 27 Vindicator editorial on Ohio's medical liability crisis brought to mind the words of historian Thomas Bailey that, "History does repeat itself, with variations, and the price seems to go up each time." The issues raised in the editorial echo what was printed 20 or even 30 years ago. The only change is that the financial implications are more alarming now.
The Vindicator's proposal for an independent commission to examine the issues has merit. The facts of the situation are documented, but not in places the average person is familiar with. Thus, the value of the panel would be to gather information and publish it in a way that might have beneficial impact. Here are some facts that such a report would contain:
U A free society needs a tort law system, but ours is badly flawed as it relates to medical liability. Only about a third of the dollars paid into the system go to claimants. More than half of those dollars go to lawyers for the two sides. The system frequently rewards the wrong claimants -- as the authors of a 1991 research report in the New England Journal of Medicine put it, "Medical-malpractice litigation infrequently compensates patients injured by medical negligence and rarely identifies, and holds providers accountable for, substandard care."
U Sky-high punitive damage awards do nothing to punish the doctors involved. Such awards are paid by insurance companies, which means higher premiums that get passed on to whoever pays the bills, which ultimately (directly or indirectly) is all of us. Such awards only encourage lawyers to file more suits, since the payoff is huge if they win. One-third of a million dollar settlement is about 10 years pay for a factory worker.
U The oft-repeated charge of bad investment practices by insurance companies turns out, when examined, to be hot air. The insurers see the value of their securities go up when the stock market rises and down when it tanks, just like the rest of us.
If it takes a blue-ribbon commission to bring these and other relevant facts to the public's attention, let's have one. More important, though, is for people to put pressure for reform on our elected representatives to counterbalance the effect of the massive political contributions made by tort lawyers.
ROBERT D. GILLETTE, M.D.
Poland
Build a Hubbard expressway over a shorter, cheaper route
EDITOR:
To perpetuate the project known to date as the Hubbard Expressway, a new sponsor is sought to replace ODOT District 4. The most viable one would be a natural. Change its name and centerline and the designation from the lengthy, sprawling Sharon line path. Extend a freeway from U.S. 62 and S.R. 7 under Albert Street, construct a new right of way between Garland Avenue and Albert Street, pass under Hubbard Road, past the prison, overpass Logangate and the railroad to Eastbound ramps at I-80 at the Liberty and Hubbard townships line.
The expressway would be half as long and cost half as much. More importantly, ODOT could designate it as traffic improvement but it would dually serve the area better, in traffic pattern and area development, than the presently proposed centerline. ODOT could consider it as traffic improvement only. An interchange at Hubbard Road and ramps with overpass of the railroad would provide access to Logan Avenue, improving the traffic pattern and helping to redevelop a vital area. The access to the expressway would make the idle prison more attractive to reopen. An intersection at Logangate with overpass of the railroad would serve Youngstown Country Club and residential areas on both sides of the railroad. An intersection at S.R. 304 would serve Pine Lakes Golf Course and area businesses.
From the Liberty-Hubbard Township line, U.S. 62 and S.R. 7 would traverse over I-80 for 21/2 miles to the existing interchange north of Hubbard. The link would be completed northward over U.S. 62 and S.R. 7 present right of way. The entire project can be financed by the federal government with participation by ODOT.
FRANK A. RUSSO, P.E.
Youngstown
Don't let dispute over Idora shows sully other landmark
EDITOR:
I have been sitting back and reading many articles concerning the two different musicals about Idora Park, and I must say there has been much controversy surrounding the topic, and as an outside party I think it best that I settle this dispute.
I have been living in the Youngstown area for 40 years, and I frequently visited Idora Park. I must say that when I heard that there was a play written about it I was excited. Finally there were people out there proud of Youngstown. Then the articles started about Ms. Woodhull and the Youngstown Playhouse. They parted ways.
Ms. Woodhull then began making allegations that the Playhouse cheated her and stole her show. I must say I saw both musicals and I felt both did the park justice. It showed the happiness and pride people used to hold of this fine city.
Ms. Woodhull's allegations, however, are baseless. I saw the playhouse's version and it was good and entertaining, but was nothing like Ms. Woodhull's show. This, however, did not mean that either is bad. I do understand Ms. Woodhull is hurt because of what happened, but we should still be proud of. the community theater. It brings art and culture to this town and reminds us of the pride we have left.
I appreciate the show that Ms. Woodhull took the time to write and bring it to us, but I also appreciate what the Playhouse does for this community. I believe it is time for everyone to realize that these are two very different, very good musicals that remind us of better days, but it is time to move forward and realize that the same pride in our city exists and we have another landmark to celebrate -- the oldest ongoing community theater in the United States of America!
SUSAN STOREY
Warren