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Illinois Doctors Descend on Capitol

(KWMU photo)
(KWMU photo)

By AP/KWMU

Springfield, Ill – Hundreds of doctors and their supporters flooded the state Capitol Wednesday to urge lawmakers to help them deal with soaring medical malpractice insurance rates.

Dozens of doctors have left their practices, especially in southern Illinois, because they can't afford to pay insurance premiums.

They're asking lawmakers for help, particularly by limiting awards for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering that victims of malpractice can win in court.

Legislators working on a plan say that's not likely to happen.

But they say they will have some help for doctors before the legislative session ends next month.

That aid could be money to help doctors pay premiums and safeguards to target doctors who commit malpractice.

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