West Virginia physicians seeking caps on medical malpractice jury verdicts received distressing news Monday when a state legislative panel released data from a year-long review of the matter without recommending claim limits. According to the panel, the Select Committee on Insurance Availability and Medical Malpractice Insurance, ample compensation for injured malpractice victims is "essential" and should not be restricted. Last week, more than two dozen orthopedic, cardiac and general surgeons at four West Virginia hospitals took leaves of absence in protest of the high cost of malpractice insurance. The physicians blame soaring jury awards for their high premiums.

The panel's report is the second study released this week discouraging caps on jury awards. On Sunday, Americans for Insurance Reform, a coalition of 100 consumer and public interest groups, published a report blaming high premiums on poor business decisions made by the insurance industry.