WMS Medigram Alert - June 27, 2018  

In a decision released this morning, the Wisconsin Supreme Court restored the state’s $750,000 cap on noneconomic damages in medical liability cases.

The decision in Mayo v. Wisconsin Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund reverses a 2017 Court of Appeals decision that struck down the cap, which has been integral to Wisconsin’s well-balanced medical liability system and patients’ access to care since 2005.

“We are very pleased with today’s decision,” said Society President Molli Rolli, MD, in this press release . “The Court clearly understands the importance of the cap to our state’s unique and comprehensive medical liability system—a system that provides unparalleled benefits to both patients and physicians.”

The wisconsin Medical Society has been a strong and vocal proponent of the cap since it was created, and in the Mayo case, submitted three separate briefs—jointly with the AMA Litigation Center—articulating the important benefits of the cap as part of Wisconsin’s comprehensive medical liability system.

“The cap helps our state attract and retain top quality physicians and keep medical costs in check, and ultimately ensures Wisconsin citizens’ access to high quality care,” said Society CEO Bud Chumbley, MD.