Countywide : Cox Bill on Malpractice Protested

Waving signs reading “Chris Cox Wanted for Cruelty,” about 20 people pushing wheelchairs and strollers staged a protest Wednesday inside the Newport Beach office of Rep. Christopher Cox, who has sponsored federal legislation to limit compensation to victims of medical malpractice.

“This legislation would force on the nation a law that has done great damage in California,” said Kathy Olsen, 38, who held the hand of her 5-year-old son. The boy, who uses a wheelchair, suffered permanent brain damage because a doctor refused requests for a brain scan after an accident, the mother said. A jury award of $7 million for malpractice was reduced to $250,000 by California law, she said.

Since 1975, California law--like the proposed federal legislation--has capped lawsuit damages for pain and suffering at $250,000. Actual medical expenses and lost wages remain unlimited.

Olsen and the other protesters plan to pass out flyers at local shopping centers to try to derail the legislation, which passed the House in March as part of the GOP’s “contract with America.”

Vincent Solitto, Cox’s press secretary, said that Cox--who was in Washington--would like to discuss the issue with demonstrators and urged them to make an appointment.

Solitto defended the legislation, saying it would expand a state law that keeps health care affordable.

“This is legislation that has worked well in California for 25 years and that some 21 other states have already adopted,” he said. “We think there is strong support for this type of reform.”