Oklahoma Governor Protecting the Civil Justice System

As many state legislatures are starting to wind down for the year, lots of legislation is landing on the desks of Governors.  Right now, a bill is on its way to the desk of Oklahoma's Governor Brad Henry.

Attached to this bill is a measure that would add a significant roadblock for victims of medical malpractice who wish to file a lawsuit.  Fortunately, the Governor has expressed concern over this bill because the language seems remarkably similar to a law that was deemed unconstitutional in 2006, by the Oklahoma Supreme Court.  The court found, correctly, that such a law places an undue financial burden on people seeking access to justice.

Gov. Henry should be highly praised and commended for standing up for the sick and injured, in the face of enormous pressure from the insurance industry and medical establishment, just as he did earlier this session when a broad sweeping tort "deform" bill was withdrawn because of the threat of the Governor's veto.