MORE PATIENTS WAIVING RIGHT TO JURY TRIAL

Increasingly, doctors require their patients to waive their constitiutional right to a jury trial by signing binding arbitration agreements. Under binding arbitration agreements, if the physician commits medical malpractice the dispute must be settled through arbitration which can place the patient at a disadvantage.  A bill has been proposed in Florida that attempts to make the arbitration process more fair and open.  More information can be found in an article  titled “Patients Are Waiving Their Right to Jury Trials in Growing Numbers” by the Daily Business Review on April, 3, 2008. Stay informed before you waive your constitutional right!