Trial lawyers seek bigger slice of health care pie

Weeks ago, we discussed a provision in the House health care bill that cuts off grant money for states that impose meaningful caps on medical malpractice claims. But that's not the only gift for trial lawyers that is tucked away in the 2,000 pages of the House-passed health care bill.

There are good reasons why plaintiffs' lawyers give so much money to the Democratic Party, and why Linda Lipsen, the top lobbyist for the American Association for Justice, has visited the White House at least five times this year. Trial lawyers' see their political agenda on the advance. After years of playing defense, they are now attempting to overturn five Supreme Court decisions in one year and to add other new provisions into law that will mean more money for them.