This is why I can't stand The Oklahoman

[dismayed]

Below is an article that appeared today. After reading it, I still have no idea what the issues are. What are the draconian measures? What are the major changes to the law... how specifically is the law going to change? How is the premium issue significant to this? What is the recent study cited regarding the insurance companies? Did The Oklahoman confirm the numbers that this guy rattled off? What are the "every conceivable bad things" in SB 507?

The following article's lack of any detailed information whatsoever, not to mention the fact that there is no confirmation at all of anything said by anyone quoted, is just absurd. This article is nothing more than hearsay and underscores the extremely poor reporting and researching that is prevalent in not only this article but many of the articles the paper produces. Has the editor no shame, no standards?


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Consumer group calls lawsuit reform harsh

By Michael McNutt
Capitol Bureau

A consumer group Monday criticized a massive lawsuit reform bill approved by Oklahoma's legislators that awaits action by Gov. Brad Henry.

J. Robert Hunter, director of insurance for the Consumer Federation of America, called Senate Bill 507 "a draconian measure.” About 300 pro-consumer groups, such as AARP and the Consumer's Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, are part of the group.

SB 507 would make major changes in how Oklahoma lawsuits are treated in court cases ranging from personal injury to medical malpractice. The governor's office received the tort reform bill Monday. Henry has until Saturday to sign or veto it.

Sen. Andrew Rice, D-Oklahoma City, one of the 23 Democratic senators who voted against the measure, introduced Hunter at a state Capitol news conference.

Rice said insurance premiums have not fallen in states that passed lawsuit reforms.

Hunter cited a recent study that showed insurance companies are making "unbelievable profits.” In 2005, even with the losses caused by Hurricane Katrina, the industry posted a $48.8 billion profit; in 2006 with no major hurricane activity, the industry's profit is estimated at $68.1 billion, he said.

SB 507 has "every conceivable bad thing in it,” he said. It caps noneconomic damages, which generally are for pain and suffering, at $300,000.

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[jbrown84]

So the only reason to pass Tort Reform is to bring insurance costs down?

How about getting rid of costly, frivolous lawsuits like a lady suing McDonalds because she spilled coffee in her lap?