JB,
I can say, with a straight face, that I would and do support caps under certain circumstances. I don't think there is any good reason to cap actual damages and or medical cost recovery no matter what that costs. However, punitive damages are a different issue. Now, perhaps if a lawyers fees could only be based on either a fixed fee or a percentage of actual damages versus a percentage of punitive damages that might mitigate against the worst effects of contingency fees and unlimited damages.
Look JB I am not saying I know the full answer but it is clear that there is an industry that now feeds on ambulance chasing and bogus or at least questionable lawsuits. Likewise there is a closely related industry that thrives on blackmailing companies with the mere threat of possible runaway lawsuits.
In truth, I'd like to see the law simplified across the board so that lawyers are much less necessary in general. Small claims limits could be raised, etc. Again, I realize I don't have all the answers but I can see broken and know it needs to be fixed.
And I would add that this is the tort reform that everyone I have ever discussed it with wants.
Actual damages = no limit.
Punitive = needs a limit. Greater than zero but a couple of million for hot coffee on the nads is just stooooooopid!
It just seems that the MSM and the trail lawyers spin it into "no lawsuits allowed". No kool aid for me, just a little common sense thankyou.