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Statement of ATLA President Ken Suggs on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Hearing on Health Courts

(Thursday, June 22, 2006 -Washington DC)

"There are any number of reforms trial lawyers can support that would enhance the civil justice system as it relates to medical malpractice, ranging from efforts to minimize medical errors, a truly critical problem, to voluntary arbitration.

But the health court proposals that feature a pre-determined schedule of damages represent nothing short of a backdoor attempt at implementing caps, a one-size-fits-all solution that runs counter to the best interests of patients who suffer painful injuries through no fault of their own."

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As the world's largest trial bar, ATLA promotes justice and fairness for injured persons, defends the constitutional right to trial by jury, and strengthens the civil justice system through education and disclosure of information critical to public health and safety. With 60,000 members worldwide, ATLA provides lawyers with the information and professional assistance they need to serve clients successfully and protect the democratic values of the civil justice system.