Tort reform worked in Ohio

Tort reform worked in Ohio

EDITOR

I am puzzled by the Sept. 11 editorial claiming that after Ohio enacted tort reform “the promised benefits have not materialized”.

I would like to refer you to a Vindicator article from Oct 6, 2002, “Doctors consider leaving as premiums continue to rise”. This article, by William K. Alcorn, the Vindicator health writer, describes the exodus of doctors from Ohio to states where tort reform was enacted, like Indiana and Wisconsin. The reason for that alarming situation was the double digit increase in malpractice insurance year after year.

As a result of this article and similar ones all across Ohio, tort reform was enacted. The results were unqualified success. The insurance premiums came down significantly and the doctors’ exodus has halted. Clearly the benefits the tort reform did materialize.

A.Z. RABINOWITZ M.D.

Liberty