Study: Tort reform increase the death rate of elderly, lower-income, and minorities

Using medical malpractice tort reforms and state-level data from 1980-2000, two Emory University Law Professors, PAUL H. RUBIN, JOANNA M. SHEPHERD, examine empirically whether tort reforms have disproportionate effects on different demographic groups. They find that the impact of tort reform varies substantially among demographic groups.

Their results suggest that women, children, and the elderly do not enjoy tort reform’s benefits as much as men and middle-aged people.

The research further suggest that these individuals may be harmed by tort reform

Source:

Rubin, Paul H. and Shepherd, Joanna M. (2008) "The Demographics of Tort Reform," Review of Law & Economics: Vol. 4 : Iss. 2, Article 3. Available at: http://www.bepress.com/rle/vol4/iss2/art3