Limit on Malpractice Award Faces Legal Challenge

A Wisconsin woman who won a $1.8 million award in the death of her husband is challenging a cap on damages for doctors employed by the state.

The cap limits the woman’s payment to $250,000 because the doctor she accused of negligence works for the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The cap enacted in 1979 is designed to protect taxpayers and state government.

A Dane County jury ruled Dr. Jonathan Keevil was negligent in the death of Robert Fiez who died in 2010 of blood clots in his lungs. His widow, Terri Fiez, was awarded $1.8 million.

The State Journal reports a hearing is scheduled Aug. 27 before a Dane County judge.