New Tennessee Medical Malpractice Law Passed
For years the medical and insurance lobby in Tennessee has been trying to place financial caps on medical malpractice cases. In attempting to sell this legislation the lobbyist argued that it would stop “frivolous” lawsuits. Our legislature, however, realised that a cap would do nothing to prevent frivolous cases. It would just give the medical community and insurance companies a privileged status in society to avoid responsibility for their actions. Large verdicts are not given for frivolous lawsuits. However, large verdicts only correspond with large damages and reckless conduct.
The Tennessee legislature now has passed legislation that will help prevent frivolous medical malpractice suits. At the same time it will not put artificial limits on valid medical malpractice suits. The bill requires attorneys to give all medical providers who may be named in a malpractice suit at least 60 days notice before filing a lawsuit, and to file a “certificate of good faith” that the claim has merit. The certificate is to be filed within 90 days after the lawsuit is filed. It is based on an evaluation by an independent medical expert. Judges could sanction plaintiffs and their attorneys who they feel have acted in bad faith.
As a lawyer that represents medical malpractice victims, I applaud this legislation. Any responsible lawyer will gladly comply with this new law.
Author Bio
Jim Higgins, founder of the Higgins Firm, is a seasoned personal injury attorney with deep roots in Nashville, Tennessee. A 4th generation Nashvillian, Jim carries on the legal legacy of his father, a judge for over 30 years. After graduating from the University of Memphis School of Law, Jim’s career began on the other side of the courtroom, defending insurance companies and learning their tactics for minimizing settlements. However, he soon realized his true calling was fighting for the rights of the injured, and for the past several years, he has exclusively represented plaintiffs in personal injury cases.
Since then, his dedication and skill have earned him membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an organization limited to attorneys who have secured million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for their clients. Licensed to practice in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia, Jim focuses on personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation cases. His exceptional work has been recognized by his peers, earning him a spot on the Super Lawyers list from 2021 to 2024, a distinction awarded to only a select group of accomplished attorneys in each state.
