Texas Tort Reform Summary
- $250,000 non-economic damage cap for doctors and other healthcare providers
- Wrongful death actions carry a damage limit of $500,000
- The limits are to be adjusted for inflation
Statute of Limitations
In Texas the statute of limitation for a medical malpractice case is 2 years from the date of incident. However, there may be exceptions to this rule as in the case of minors. Liability Limits
The minimum liability limit for medical malpractice insurance in Texas is $200,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate per policy period (1 year). This limit is fairly standard in Texas but many other states require $1M/$3M limits. The arguments for lower limits are that the damage caps keep payouts low and that, in the case of a lawsuit, attorneys will only go after the amount of the policy limit. So a low limit keeps awards low.
The Different Types of Malpractice Insurance Companies in Texas
With ver 40 insurance companies writing medical malpractice insurance for health care providers and facilities, Texas is one of the most competitive states in which to purchase malpractice insurance. The increased competition is a great reason to shop for alternate coverage options and savings using eQuoteMD.com as the insurers are dropping prices as they look to obtain as much market share as possible.
The Texas Department of Insurance identifies four different types of companies for medical malpractice insurance coverage to healthcare providers in the state.
1. Licensed Insurance Companies
Theses companies are regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance. Their policies must include the following mandated provisions:
- Coverage may not be cancelled by the insurer after 90 days from the effective date of the policy.
- Minimum 90 days notice of non-renewal or premium increase, including written reasons for such action.
- No surcharge for claims may be assessed unless the claims have been paid.
- Claims-made policies must include tail coverage provisions.
Healthcare providers insured by a licensed insurance company are protected by the Texas Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association (TPCIGA) for up to $300,000 if their carrier becomes insolvent.
2. Legislatively Created Companies
- Texas Medical Liability Insurance Underwriting Association (JUA)
- Texas Medical Liability Trust (TMLT)
- Medical Professional Liability Fund for State Higher Education Systems
3. Surplus Lines or Excess Market Carriers
4. Risk Retention Groups (RRG) or Risk Purchasing Groups
Texas Medical Malpractice Insurance – Here’s What You Should Know
Texas is seen as one of the nation’s leaders when it comes to medical liability tort reform. In 2003, the State’s residents passed by popular vote the constitutional amendment to allow for caps on non-economic damages among other reforms. While several other states have found their caps on damages to be declared unconstitutional, most recently Missouri (2012), Illinois (2010), and Georgia (2010), Texas physicians and healthcare facilities are better protected by the inherent constitutionality of their damage caps.
These tort reform measures and the relatively “healthcare-friendly” court system have helped malpractice insurance rates remain low and even continue their decline—effectively making Texas one of the most cost-effective states in which to practice and purchase this important malpractice insurance coverage. We’ve seen at least one Texas physician insurer reduce their rates by 5-12% every year since tort reform was enacted.
In a further effort to reduce frivolous lawsuits, in May 2011 Texas Gov. Rick Perry signed into law a bill that will begin a “loser pays” system in Texas courts. Essentially, some plaintiffs who lose a case will have to pay the court and attorney fees of the defendants. This law will also allow civil actions to be expedited for those plaintiffs seeking less than $100k.