Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

December 2, 2008 6:57:53 AM CST

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Military Families Fight for Right to Sue

Posted Apr 20, 08 5:51 PM CDT in Science & Health,  US 

(Newser) – Many grieving families are outraged that they cannot sue over medical malpractice in military hospitals, the Los Angeles Times reports. Some have seen sons and husbands—all active duty service members—die in hospitals where resources are stretched thin. But a 1950 Supreme Court ruling created the Feres doctrine, which protects military doctors and their staffs from malpractice suits.

Backers of the ruling say such suits would "have dire implications" for the US military. "Nobody wants some judge meddling in military matters," one lawyer said. But a non-profit group has risen to repeal it, and lawmakers have vowed to help. Said Rep. Maurice D. Hinchey: "No service member should ever become sick or die as the result of poor military medical care."

Source Los Angeles Times

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • HIV Scandal Spreads in Kyrgyzstan

    Mar 21, 08 7:51 AM CDT
    HIV Scandal Spreads in Kyrgyzstan Fourteen medical professionals in Kyrgyzstan face malpractice and negligence charges after allegedly infecting 42 children with HIV. The group of doctors, nurses, and a top administrator could receive prison terms of up to 10 years for administering contaminated injections and blood transfusions. Such incidents may be common, one aide worker says, but the stigma of HIV here keeps families from speaking up. More »

A series of major errors in post-op care led to the death of Staff Sgt. Dean Witt, but Feres vs. United States leaves his widow with no legal recourse against the military hospital.   (Flickr)
A six-decade-old Supreme Court decision prevents Service members from suing military doctors for malpractice, even if the errors were intentional.   (AP Photo/Christopher Berkey)
Troops whose diagnoses were missed by military doctors, or who received poor care while active service members, may not make malpractice claims; nor can their widows.   (Flickr)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (
1
 of 1)

Tags

US military • US Supreme Court • American troops • negligence • medical malpractice • malpractice • military hospitals


Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other US Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser a team of editors and writers culls the most important stories from hundreds of U.S. and international sources and reduces them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. It's the Newser guarantee: we can take any report or column or video and pack what you need to know into 120 words or less. Newser's short-form aggregation, visual format, and unique information tools help you get more of the kind of news you want, in a quicker and more entertaining way. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »