Some politicians are claiming that medical malpractice tort reform should be a high priority in the health care reform debate. They say that high medical malpractice premiums significantly raise the cost of health care.

Other pundits, however, point to Congressional Budget Office numbers, which indicate that medical malpractice premiums and claims account for less than 1 percent of overall health care costs in the last 30 years. Some of these pundits favor targeting hospitals with a track record of dangerous practices like medical error and hospital-related injuries. 

When Congress returns for the fall session, medical malpractice regulations will likely be debated and could possibly change by the end of the year. 

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of medical malpractice, contact the Washington medical malpractice lawyers of Fuller & Fuller at 800-570-4878.