Resolution 544-2002
RESOLUTION NO. 544 -2002
Mayor McCoy
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE
COUNTY. FLORIDA REQUESTING THAT U.S. SENATORS BOB GRAHAM AND BILL
NELSON SUPPORT LEGISLATION TO UMIT PUNITIVE DAMAGES IN MEDICAL
MALPRACTICE LITIGATION
WHEREAS, the imposition of punitive damages in medical malpractice cases is not part of the
jurisprudence of most of the civilized world;
WHEREAS, the imposition of such damages raises the cost of insurance that medical professionals
purchase which in turn raises the fees medical professionals must charge for their services;
WHEREAS, the increased fees that must necessarily be charged by medical professionals raises the
overall cost of health care and, in turn, that raises the health care insurance premiums that must be paid by
businesses and individuals for health care coverage;
WHEREAS, as a result many businesses and individuals cannot afford health care insurance leaving
many open to financial disaster when injury or illness strike and leaving hospital, clinics and medical
professionals with unpaid bills all of which further drives up health care costs to those who can pay; and
WHEREAS, the present legal system that allows for the imposition of punitive damages (as opposed
to compensatory payments) in medical malpractice cases endures thanks to the greed and avarice of the trial
lawyers, their lobbying efforts, and huge campaign contributions; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA:
Section 1. U.S. Senators Bob Graham and Bill Nelson are hereby requested to support and cast
votes in favor of legislation pending before the U.S. Senate to limit punitive damage awards in medical
malpractice litigation.
Section 2. The Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to the U.S. Senators
Bob Graham and Bi II Nelson.
regular meeting of said Board held on the 20th day of November, 2002.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, at a
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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONtJiS 0
OF MONR~EjOUNTt- ~LORIDA
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APPROVED AS TO . Mayor/Chairperson
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Commissioner McCoy
CommiSSioner Nelson
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CorrJ+~~'!..~ Rice
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absent
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Attest: DANNY L.KOLHAGE, Clerk
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Deputy Clerk
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