By M. Sepic, KWMU
Maryville, Ill. – A watchdog group in Southern Illinois launched a campaign Wednesday to draw attention to what they consider a crisis in the region's courts.
According to Illinois Lawsuit Abuse Watch, excessive suits are driving up the cost of malpractice insurance for doctors, and driving some out of the area.
I-LAW director Al Adomite says Southern Illinois is the lawsuit capital of the world.
"Medical liability lawsuits have driven up our health care costs, and are threatening access to doctors, hospitals, nursing homes, medical implant devices, vaccines, and lots of other drugs," he said.
Illinois' largest malpractice insurer will soon raise rates at least 35 percent for its 14,000 members.