Louisiana 2016 2016 Regular Session

Louisiana Senate Bill SB78 Comm Sub / Analysis

                    The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Ben Huxen.
DIGEST
SB 78 Original	2016 Regular Session	Gatti
Present law relative to medical malpractice limits the total amount recoverable for all malpractice
claims for injuries to or death of a patient, exclusive of future medical care and related benefits, to
a maximum of $500,000 plus interest and cost.
Proposed law creates an exception to present law by providing that the total amount recoverable for
all malpractice claims for brain injuries to a child, exclusive of future medical care and related
benefits, shall not exceed five million dollars plus interest and costs. However, proposed law applies
only when either (1) a medical review panel renders a unanimous opinion in favor of the claimant
as provided in the expert opinions stated in present law or (2) liability is determined unanimously
by a jury.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends 40:1231.2(B)(1), 1231.3(D), (F)(intro para), (2), (3), (6) and (7); adds R.S. 40:1231.3(K))