Navigating California's New Medical Malpractice Law: Implications for Victims and Families

As of January 1, 2023, California's medical malpractice landscape underwent a significant transformation with the introduction of a new law. Elia Castranova, a prominent representative for injured individuals in Los Angeles, sheds light on the historical context, the challenges faced, and the implications of this long-awaited legal change.

The Historical Perspective: A 50-Year Struggle for Fair Compensation

Castranova traces the origins of the previous medical malpractice law back to 1975 when the insurance lobby and insured doctors influenced Governor Jerry Brown. The premise was rooted in the claim that excessive lawsuits and premiums were driving healthcare providers out of California. The consequence of this lobbying effort was a law that severely limited compensation for victims of malpractice, capping pain and suffering at a mere $250,000.

The Unjust Limitations: $250,000 Cap and Its Consequences

For nearly five decades, victims and their families faced the unjust reality of being unable to sue for adequate compensation, especially in cases of severe injuries or wrongful death. Castranova highlights the challenges attorneys encountered in pursuing these cases, given the exorbitant costs associated with proving medical malpractice.

The New Law: Incremental Improvements, But Is It Enough?

The recent legal change introduces incremental improvements, acknowledging the need for adjustments to reflect the rising costs of living. Castranova outlines the updated provisions, including an increase in the cap for pain and suffering to $350,000, with further annual increments of $40,000 for the next decade. Wrongful death cases see an increase from $250,000 to $500,000, gradually reaching a cap of $1 million.

Assessing the Impact: Is the Compensation Adequate?

While the adjustments bring a semblance of relief, Castranova candidly discusses the inherent limitations. The caps, even with annual increments, may not fully address the financial burdens faced by victims and their families, especially in comparison to other personal injury cases like car accidents or slips and falls.

Strategic Decision-Making: To Allege or Not to Allege Medical Malpractice

Drawing from his extensive experience, Castranova delves into the strategic decisions attorneys must make. In cases where medical malpractice is suspected but pursuing it might not yield sufficient compensation, attorneys often opt not to allege malpractice. This decision involves weighing the potential benefits against the challenges posed by skeptical juries and the historical reluctance to hold medical professionals accountable.

Choosing Competent Representation: A Key to Maximizing Compensation

Castranova emphasizes the importance of selecting an attorney well-versed in the intricacies of medical malpractice cases. An experienced attorney understands when to leverage the new legal provisions and when alternative strategies might better serve the client's interests.