The New York Post - EDITORIAL - June 22, 2010
Meanwhile, Albany is getting ready to fork over even more cash to the trial lawyers, this time by permitting more lawsuits based on auto accidents. New York is supposed to be a "no fault" state, which means insurance covers bills from auto accidents, eliminating the need to sue. But that means less work, and less money, for lawyers. Hence, the new bill -- which vastly expands the kinds of injuries for which victims can seek damages in court. And it comes on the heels of legislation that, as we pointed out Friday:
* Taxes home, auto and commercial insurance to help fund medical-malpractice coverage for high-risk doctors.
* Lifts the cap on legal fees in such cases, letting lawyers boost their share of awards by as much as 50 percent.
Indeed, there's even a bill to further restrict health-care providers from interviewing witnesses in malpractice cases. It's no surprise, of course, that Albany keeps seeking new ways to line trial lawyers' pockets with New Yorkers' earnings: As we also noted Friday, Assembly Speaker Shelly Silver and Senate Leader John Sampson are both literally on the payrolls of top tort-law firms. Gov. Paterson's father, former New York Secretary of State Basil Paterson, is a partner at another big firm. Nor is there any doubt the latest move will cost New Yorkers a bundle -- up to $100 per premium, according to actuarial firm Milliman Inc. At this rate, it'll be a wonder if New Yorkers manage to keep any of their money away from the trial lawyers.
Meanwhile, Albany is getting ready to fork over even more cash to the trial lawyers, this time by permitting more lawsuits based on auto accidents. New York is supposed to be a "no fault" state, which means insurance covers bills from auto accidents, eliminating the need to sue. But that means less work, and less money, for lawyers. Hence, the new bill -- which vastly expands the kinds of injuries for which victims can seek damages in court. And it comes on the heels of legislation that, as we pointed out Friday:
* Taxes home, auto and commercial insurance to help fund medical-malpractice coverage for high-risk doctors.
* Lifts the cap on legal fees in such cases, letting lawyers boost their share of awards by as much as 50 percent.
Indeed, there's even a bill to further restrict health-care providers from interviewing witnesses in malpractice cases. It's no surprise, of course, that Albany keeps seeking new ways to line trial lawyers' pockets with New Yorkers' earnings: As we also noted Friday, Assembly Speaker Shelly Silver and Senate Leader John Sampson are both literally on the payrolls of top tort-law firms. Gov. Paterson's father, former New York Secretary of State Basil Paterson, is a partner at another big firm. Nor is there any doubt the latest move will cost New Yorkers a bundle -- up to $100 per premium, according to actuarial firm Milliman Inc. At this rate, it'll be a wonder if New Yorkers manage to keep any of their money away from the trial lawyers.
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2 comments:
Lawyers (read: crooks) protecting their own kind. No surprise.
the blood sucking pols gather in ALBANY to steal OUR MONEY
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