Dear Representative,
We, the undersigned, petition the United States Congress to protect the rights of the victims of medical malpractice rather than the profits of insurance companies, the health care industry and corporate CEOs.
Casualties continue to mount in Iraq, the federal debt is soaring and gas prices have topped $3 a gallon in many parts of the country. We urge Congress to focus on these important issues facing our country, rather than catering to corporate special interests.
The leadership in the House of Representatives is promoting legislation, written by the insurance industry and HMOs, which would restrict the ability of Americans injured by medical malpractice to hold accountable those who caused them harm.
The legislation would create a "one size fits all" system for people injured in a medical setting or nursing home. This legislation would allow the Congress in Washington DC, rather than a jury of twelve citizens, to decide the value of an injury or death caused by malpractice.
The limits would apply no matter how severe the harm - even if the wrong limb was amputated, for example, or an unnecessary mastectomy performed, even in cases involving the death of a child.
For patients who are injured or the family members of those who have died as a result of medical malpractice or negligence, the civil justice system is the last resort and the courtroom is the only place where they can seek justice against powerful interests on a level playing field.
We oppose this "one size fits all approach" and strongly urge our Members of Congress to adamantly oppose any legislation seeking to restrict the rights of people through so-called medical malpractice "reform."
Sincerely,
[your name]
[your state, country]
