House Judiciary Committee approves proposal to cap punitive damages at $250,000 in all medical malpractice cases nationwide

Politico reports that the House Judiciary Committee voted along party lines (18-15) to approve a medical malpractice reform bill which, among other things, would limit punitive damages in med mal cases to $250,000 or two times compensatory damages, whichever is greater.  The bill would apply to all med mal lawsuits in federal and state courts.  If passed, the bill would have an impact in California, where we have a cap of $250,000 on non-economic damages in med mal cases, but no cap on punitive damages.  (And contrary to what the AP might tell you, there is a difference between non-economic damages and punitive damages.)