Home > Policyholder News > MAG Mutual Applauds Court’s Decision
On March 15, 2010, the Georgia Supreme Court upheld an important provision of the tort reform legislation passed by the state’s legislature in 2005. The decision upheld the law requiring a plaintiff to prove gross negligence by clear and convincing evidence in order to prevail in a lawsuit against a physician performing medical services in an Emergency Room or Department.
President and COO, Darrell Grimes lauded the decision as a victory for physicians and patients in Georgia. “We are pleased for the physicians and citizens of Georgia. The opinion acknowledges the impact tort reform has had in preserving the availability and affordability of quality health care services. The ruling ensures that Georgia’s patients will have a sufficient number of doctors staffing the state’s emergency rooms.”
In response to the action by the Court, Dr. Roy Vandiver, Chairman of the Board, announced a premium rate reduction. “As a result of this decision, MAG Mutual intends to reduce its medical liability insurance rates for the state’s Emergency Room physicians.”
