OKLAHOMA CITY -- When doctors removed a brain tumor from Karla Beatty six years ago she developed a serious staph infection in the process. It was an infection that forced doctors to take drastic action.
"I lost part of my skull; I lost part of my brain," says Beatty who is still upset.
"If he (the doctor) would have just taken the time, when it's been just a little pimple, and took the time to swab in right then, I could still have my vision."
Because her infection was originally misdiagnosed by her doctor, Karla was awarded thousands of dollars for her pain and suffering in a malpractice lawsuit.
However, under House Bill 1603, people like Karla would only get a maximum of $300,000 for their pain and suffering, no matter what their circumstances.
"How can you say that a dollar is worth that much pain," said Beatty.
"The money does not relieve the pain and suffering," says State Representative Dan Sullivan, who authored the bill.
Sullivan, who also represented the Doctor in Karla's case, says that putting a cap on pain and suffering would lower insurance premiums without compromising healthcare.
"What we do not cap is the need for medical expenses and things of that nature where there is no cap," say's Sullivan.
But according to Beatty there a few things the government shouldn't be allowed to decide.
"He (Sullivan) took an oath to the people and he should be working for the people," Beatty says.
Contact KFOR News directly by clicking here if you would like to submit a news story tip or suggestion.
Copyright 2009 KFOR-TV-DT. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
"I lost part of my skull; I lost part of my brain," says Beatty who is still upset.
"If he (the doctor) would have just taken the time, when it's been just a little pimple, and took the time to swab in right then, I could still have my vision."
Because her infection was originally misdiagnosed by her doctor, Karla was awarded thousands of dollars for her pain and suffering in a malpractice lawsuit.
However, under House Bill 1603, people like Karla would only get a maximum of $300,000 for their pain and suffering, no matter what their circumstances.
"How can you say that a dollar is worth that much pain," said Beatty.
"The money does not relieve the pain and suffering," says State Representative Dan Sullivan, who authored the bill.
Sullivan, who also represented the Doctor in Karla's case, says that putting a cap on pain and suffering would lower insurance premiums without compromising healthcare.
"What we do not cap is the need for medical expenses and things of that nature where there is no cap," say's Sullivan.
But according to Beatty there a few things the government shouldn't be allowed to decide.
"He (Sullivan) took an oath to the people and he should be working for the people," Beatty says.
Contact KFOR News directly by clicking here if you would like to submit a news story tip or suggestion.
Copyright 2009 KFOR-TV-DT. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
