New York Governor Hochul Vetoes “Grieving Families Act” For Third Time – How to Get Justice for Your Medical Malpractice Injuries in New York City
At the tail end of last December, just before the 2024 Christmas holiday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul had a third opportunity to sign the latest version of a piece of legislation called the Grieving Families Act into law. The legislation, which was passed by both the New York State Assembly and State Senate bodies, aimed to, among other things, permit family members who lost their loved ones to a doctor’s medical malpractice to obtain compensation in New York court for their grief and anguish. Prior forms of the legislation were already introduced and passed by the Assembly and Senate – with bipartisan support – two times. Governor Hochul also vetoed those versions of the law.
In her message vetoing the law this time, Governor Hochul said that “more conversations are needed on the bill, and she’s open to finding a solution with the legislature.” However, New York State Trial Lawyers Association President Victoria Wickman responded to that, stating, “While the Legislature and [New York State Trial Lawyers Association] came prepared to find common ground, narrowing the bill again and again, the Governor remained entrenched in the same positions she held on Day One, offering no flexibility or willingness to engage in meaningful compromise…How many more families have to suffer without justice before this governor takes action? We are in the midst of an infant and maternal mortality epidemic, yet the governor continues to ignore the urgent need for accountability in health care. This veto is a cruel reminder that Governor Hochul has chosen to prioritize protecting big business over standing with grieving New Yorkers.”
The legislation’s sponsor in the 2024 session, Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal said of the legislation, “This is a David vs. Goliath battle, and we will continue fighting for justice until the governor prioritizes the needs of New Yorkers…the myth that improving patient safety raises insurance premiums has been debunked. In fact, this is the most profitable year in history for insurers.” Despite Senator Hoylman-Sigal’s disappointment, he indicated to reporters that he was not interested in attempting to override Governor Hochul’s decision. It remains to be seen whether another version of the New York state Grieving Families Act will come up in future legislative sessions, and whether it will ultimately be signed into law by the governor, if it passes the Assembly and Senate again.
Getting Legal Help for Your Medical Malpractice Case in New York City
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Source:
spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/politics/2024/12/21/hochul-vetoes–grieving-families-act–for-a-third-time
