Consumer interest groups accused the medical establishment and insurance companies Thursday of causing the recent spike in malpractice insurance premiums. Spokespersons for Public Citizen and the Consumer Federation of America blamed high premiums on poor investment decisions made by insurance companies. According to the groups, "premiums rise when insurers' investment income falls."

Public Citizen and the Consumer Federation of America accused doctors and insurance companies of intentionally misleading the public in order to pass cap limits on medical malpractice lawsuits. The U.S. Congress is expected to take up legislation that would cap non-economic damage awards this year, although the measure is not likely to pass in both the House and Senate.