Pending medical malpractice cap in IL

Legislation has passed through the Illinois state House and Senate that will cap medical malpractice awards for pain and suffering. The new measure, currently awaiting Governor Rod Blagojevich's signature, will allow patients who suffer from medical mistakes to collect no more than $500,000 in non-economic damages from doctors and $1 million from hospitals.

The bill, which will only apply to injuries suffered after it goes into effect, is expected to be signed into law soon. The pending measure has given rise to a flood of malpractice lawsuits in the state.