New Legislation May Speed Up Award Payments

New Colorado legislation, if passed, will allow children who are victims of medical malpractice and their families to receive jury awards in an immediate lump sum payment. Under current state law, medical malpractice victims aren’t entitled to such payments.

Senate Bill 66, which is sponsored by Reps. Alice Madden and Ken Gordon, was passed unanimously by the House Judiciary Committee and is now on it’s way to the House floor. The bill already passed the state Senate.

Natalie Brown, an attorney in Denver, said she was pleased with the House committee’s rapid approval of the bill.

“They showed a great deal of compassion and understanding,” she said.

According to Brown, the current law is unfair because it allows victims who settle medical malpractice cases out-of-court to receive lump sum payments whereas those who win jury trials receive their awards through inflexible increments—usually monthly or yearly.

This type of payment often makes it difficult for families to keep up with medical and additional expenses associated with caring for children who suffer from cerebral palsy and other medical malpractice-related conditions.

If you suspect that your child has medical malpractice induced cerebral palsy, let us help you and your family obtain the compensation you deserve. Please contact a cerebral palsy lawyer today for a FREE consultation.