Limiting Double-Dipping in Personal Injury Cases

Rep. André Jacque and Sen. Glenn Grothman introduced SB 13/AB 19, which provides transparency and prevents fraud in lawsuits involving personal injury trusts by creating certain discovery requirements during litigation. On March 27, the Governor signed AB 19 into law as 2013 Wisconsin Act 154.

Transparency in Government Retention of Plaintiffs’ Attorneys

Rep. Mike Kuglitsch and Sen. Grothman introduced legislation (SB 19/AB27) that provides greater transparency and oversight when the State of Wisconsin hires private plaintiffs’ attorneys on a contingency fee basis. The bill passed on a bipartisan basis, 23-10, and was signed by the Governor as 2013 Wis. Act 105 on Dec. 13, 2013.

Limiting Phantom Damages

Rep. André Jacque and Sen. Paul Farrow introduced legislation (SB 22/AB 29) to allow juries in personal injury cases to see all of the evidence when determining the amount required to compensate a plaintiff for his or her past medical expenses. It failed to pass prior to adjournment.

Physician’s Duty of Informed Consent in Wisconsin: Overturning Jandre v. Wisconsin Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund

AB 139/SB 137, authored by Rep. Jim Ott and Sen. Grothman, overturns a negative Wisconsin Supreme Court decision (Jandre v. Wisconsin Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund) dealing with a physician’s duty of informed consent. The bill was signed by the Governor as 2013 Wis. Act 111 on Dec. 13, 2013.

Lemon Law Reforms

Rep. Kramer and Sen. Jerry Petrowski introduced AB200/SB182. The bill amends Wisconsin’s Lemon Law, which is known as the worst in the country. Signed by the Governor as 2013 Wis. Act 101 on Dec. 13, 2013.

Apology Bill

AB 120/SB 192, authored by Rep. Erik Severson and Sen. Leah Vukmir, provides that a statement or conduct of a health care provider that expresses apology to a patient or patient’s relative or representative is not admissible as evidence of liability or as an admission against interest. Signed by the Governor as 2013 Wis. Act 242 on April 8,  2014.