Florida's Medical Liability Insurance Costs are the Highest In the Nation

Florida is one of a few states without tort reform or settlement limits – and (thus) has high numbers of malpractice claims and payouts. Florida had 770 paid medical malpractice settlements in 2009, compared with the national average of 180iii. (Source -2011 Report by Council of Medical School Deans) 

The result is that the state’s medical liability premiums are by far the highest in the nation. The average primary care physician in Florida now pays $41,946 for liability insurance; the national average is $16,042. The average specialist in Florida pays $171,231 for liability insurance; the national average is $65,489. (Source http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-03-11/news/os-ed-florida-medical-liability-0311120110310_1_physicians-medical-liability-primary-care .  The article is written by the President of the FMA.)

Hello!

I'm George Baldwin and this is my first blog entry. I continue to be amazed about all the surprising things/"facts" that I learn that most people don't seem to be aware of (yeh, I know-dangling preposition).

First surprising fact: Although 7/4/1776 is celebrated as our Indedendence Day, it might be better celebrated for the signing (and subsequent retification) of the Treaty of Paris on 9/3/1783 when all the warring parties (US, England, France, Spain, and the Netherlands) settled their disputes. It was considered extremely favoriable to the US. It's 10 points were:

1. Acknowledging the United States (viz. the Colonies) to be free, sovereign and independent states, and that the British Crown and all heirs and successors relinquish claims to the Government, property, and territorial rights of the same, and every part thereof;
2. Establishing the boundaries between the United States and British North America;
3. Granting fishing rights to United States fishermen in the Grand Banks, off the coast of Newfoundland and in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence;
4. Recognizing the lawful contracted debts to be paid to creditors on either side;
5. The Congress of the Confederation will "earnestly recommend" to state legislatures to recognize the rightful owners of all confiscated lands "provide for the restitution of all estates, rights, and properties, which have been confiscated belonging to real British subjects [Loyalists]";
6. United States will prevent future confiscations of the property of Loyalists;
7. Prisoners of war on both sides are to be released and all property left by the British army in the United States unmolested (including slaves);
8. Great Britain and the United States were each to be given perpetual access to the Mississippi River;
9. Territories captured by Americans subsequent to treaty will be returned without compensation;
10. Ratification of the treaty was to occur within six months from the signing by the contracting parties  

Until this was completed, there were no agreements on any of these points

Sourse: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Paris_(1783)