TV commercials highlight rights of patients

Wednesday, April 23, 2003 | 9:32 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- Three 30-second TV commercials were to begin airing in Nevada today aimed at protecting the rights of patients in medical malpractice cases, according to consumer advocates.

Bills are being debated in Congress and in the Legislature regarding changes in insurance and medical malpractice laws to help protect doctors from spiraling malpractice insurance costs.

The television ads are sponsored by USAction, the nation's largest consumer activist organization, and will be shown in seven states including Nevada. The national organization is joining with the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada in the program.

"The ads expose so-called tort reform for what it really is -- a gift to giant insurance company," said Bob Fulkerson, state director of PLAN.

"And who will be paying for this gift? Nevadans who have been wrongfully and egregiously injured due to medical errors."

He said the advertisements will show how insurance companies are to blame for "price-gouging doctors."

The advertisements ask citizens to call Nevada's congressional delegation to oppose the medical malpractice legislation that is currently before Congress.