Injury victims limited to damages compensated by insurer, California Supreme Court rules.
The Sacramento Business Journal (8/19, Subscription Publication) reported in its "Morning Roundup" blog that "the California Supreme Court ruled Thursday that accident victims shouldn't receive more in damages for medical bills than the amount paid to the provider." Plaintiffs' attorneys balked at the ruling, and argued "it equates 'reasonable value' with negotiated rates paid by insurance companies rather than the full cost of care. It's being heralded by insurers and business leaders, who predicted premium hikes to offset skyrocketing costs."