Rand Paul thinks you shouldn’t win big like he did in court
U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., talks with his attorney Tom Kerrick Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, during the second day of a civil trial involving Paul and his neighbor Rene Boucher in Warren Circuit Court in Bowling Green, Ky.(Photo: Bac Totrong, AP)
Whew, buddy.
Im betting Rand Paul has never been happier to have Democrats around than he was Wednesday afternoon.
Thats when a jury in Bowling Green ordered his neighbor and archenemy to pay him $580,000 for the blindside tackle that broke six of his ribs and collapsed his lung.
If not for those litigious, leftist, liberal lawmakers who have for years kept Kentucky from passing legislation that would limit how much money peoplecan collect when theysue somebody, Rene Boucher might owe Paula heck of a lot less.
Paul, the junior senator from Kentucky and an eye surgeon, has long favored laws that limit how much a jury can award peoplein noneconomic damages.
Doctors seem to like these laws because, well, if they make a bad mistake, such laws can save them and their insurance companies a lot of money. And I mean a lot.
Background: Rand Paul awarded more than $580,000 in trial after neighbor's attack
If a doctor messes up and does something that leaves you badly injured like if an eye doctor slips and blinds you with a laser these laws limit what you could recover in punitive damages and damages for pain and suffering.
A lot of states cap those noneconomic damages at $250,000, which in the whole scheme of things, isnt that much. Some of the caps apply only to medical malpractice cases, but some states cap other types of lawsuits.
Were sorry Mr. Johnson, but Dr. Smith was drunk when he tried to repair the hole in your sons heart. Heres $250,000 to say were sorry and another $25,000 to bury him.
While no amount of money could ever replace ones child, it seems just wrong to cap awards like that.
On some level, you haveto think Paul would agree.
He sued Boucher for $1.5 million in noneconomic damages plus the $7,834 he rang up in medicalfees.
Kelsey Cooper, Paul's spokeswoman, said in an email that the sorts of reforms Paul supports wouldn't affect cases like his.
"The Senator, as a physician is supportive of MEDICAL tort reform, not stopping the restitution from and punishment of violent criminals. To confound the two would be inaccurate," she wrote.
Read this: Rand Paul spends majority of PAC money on travel, food and drink
Not to make light of Pauls injuries I cant imagine there are too many things more painful than broken ribs that ache every time you turn or laugh or even roll over in bed but there are a lot of people with more significant injuriesand many who have lost loved oneswho would argue their suffering is worth at least as much as his.
If Kentucky had a law with a $250,000 limit, the most Paul could hope to collect would be $257,834. Without the law, he stands to collect $582,834 including $375,000 in punitive damages and $200,000 for pain and suffering.
When the General Assembly resumes next week, it could take up Senate Bill 11, which was filed by state Sen. Ralph Alvarado. It is a constitutional amendment that would allow the state legislature to limit jury awards in Kentucky.
The legislation, as filed, doesn't specify what jury awards could be limited. That would be left up to future legislatures.
Proponents of such laws claim they significantly reduce health care costs, but a 2014 study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association found that is not true.
Alvarado, who Gov. Matt Bevin has tapped as his new running mate, is a doctor. So, you can understand why he would want such legislation to pass. It could one day save him a lot of money.
See also: Rand Paul says the free market pushed him to Canada for surgery
In the past, Paul has said repeatedly that state limits on jury verdicts throughout the country should be part of the plan to replace Obamacare.
He really ought to explain why he thinks his neighbor should pay him more than half a million dollars while he favors legislation that could mean your doctor would pay you much less if he or she makes a terrible mistake.
For now, at least, we can only assume that Paul will quietly thank heavenfor Kentucky Democrats while he laughs all the way to the bank.
And laughing shouldnt hurt that badly because those ribs are surelyhealed by now.
Joseph Gerth's opinion column runs on most Sundays and at various times throughout the week. He can be reached at 502-582-4702 or by email at jgerth@courierjournal.com. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today:courier-journal.com/josephg.
Read or Share this story: https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/joseph-gerth/2019/02/01/rand-paul-thinks-you-shouldnt-win-big-like-he-did-court/2733882002/
Read the original here:
Rand Paul thinks you shouldn't win big like he did in court
- Rand Paul introduces bill to audit the Federal Reserve - Washington Examiner - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Press Release: Senators Rick Scott and Rand Paul Introduce Federal Reserve Transparency Act to Audit the Fed - Quiver Quantitative - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Is Rand Paul eyeing a 2028 presidential run? Here's what he had to say - Yahoo News - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul isn't ruling out another shot at the White House - WUKY - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Senator Rand Paul Reintroduces Audit the Fed Bill - Senator Rand Paul (.gov) - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Is Rand Paul eyeing a 2028 presidential run? Here's what he had to say - The Courier-Journal - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul sees cultural cover-up about Trump shooting last July - Politico - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Rand Paul says we 'aren't going to know' the motive of Trump's would-be assassin - Yahoo - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: SENATOR RAND PAUL TRUMP, ELON & AMERICAS $35 TRILLION DEBT When the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was asked,... - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Rand Paul says GOP doesnt have the spine to cut spending - Washington Examiner - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul visits with Kentucky veterans at VA benefits event in Bullitt County - WDRB - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul blasts Secret Service, says we won't know Trump would-be assassin's motive - MSN - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Rand Paul re-refers Fauci to Department of Justice - Washington Examiner - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Rand Paul says we 'aren't going to know' the motive of Trump's would-be assassin - Fox News - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul blasts Secret Service, says we won't know Trump would-be assassin's motive - Fox News - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul says "we aren't going to know the motive" of the shooter in Trump's assassination attempt - CBS News - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul accuses Secret Service of "cultural cover-up" regarding Butler shooting - MSN - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- CISA may have a Rand Paul problem - Punchbowl News - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Rand Paul says we arent going to know the motive of Trumps would-be assassin - FOX 8 TV - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Fundraising Update: Senator Rand Paul just disclosed $697.3K of new fundraising - Quiver Quantitative - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul makes remarks on tariffs, Medicaid cuts at Richmond event - WEKU - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul voted against Trump's fiscal package, but remains optimistic - Spectrum News 1 - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul defends vote against Trump's spending bill during Kentucky visit - LEX18 - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul touches on the Farm Bill, trade, and workers in Georgetown appearance - WUKY - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul says he isn't really 'optimistic' Congress will 'grow a spine' - Fox Business - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Rand Paul and House Freedom Caucus made budget bill better - Washington Examiner - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Rand Paul, thank you for standing up to Trump. Will you go one step further? | Letter - The Courier-Journal - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Fox News Host Confronts Rand Paul Over Leaked Intel - MSN - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Rand Paul rails against big, beautiful bill negotiations after all-night vote-a-rama - The Hill - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Lisa Murkowski Defends Alaska Carveouts As Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders And Rand Paul Condemn Trump's 'Big Beautiful' Bill: 'Not Good Enough For... - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul refuses to back budget bill due to added debt - Fox News - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Rand Paul questions whether Trump's Iran attack was a good idea: 'Critics are loving it' - Fox Business - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul on passing spending bill: 'Both parties are to blame for this' - Yahoo - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Video Sen. Rand Paul on passing spending bill: 'Both parties are to blame for this' - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Rand Paul Laughs at Fox Host Asking If Trump Iran Strikes Are a Win: The Bushes Are H ... - Mediaite - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul promotes bill aimed at protecting the NCAA from anti-trust liability - Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW) - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Most Republicans Say the Border Wall is Worth the Cost. Rand Paul Isnt so Sure. - NOTUS - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Rand Paul broke with his own party on border security funding. Then his party broke with him. - Politico - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Dr. Rand Paul to Host 2025 Fall Service Academy Information Fair for Kentucky Students - Senator Rand Paul (.gov) - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Dr. Rand Paul Introduces the Restore Prescription Drugs Discount Act - Senator Rand Paul (.gov) - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Dr. Rand Paul Introduces End the Feds Big Bank Bailout Act - Senator Rand Paul (.gov) - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Rand Paul forces GOP into megabill runaround - Politico - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Rand Paul floats idea for separate vote on debt ceiling: 'Let the Democrats own it' - Fox Business - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Senator Rand Paul Objects to Using the IHRA Definition of Antisemitism in Federal Antidiscrimination Law - Boulder Jewish News - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Rand Paul says hed be willing to negotiate on megabill support - Politico - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul not an 'absolute no' on spending bill, reveals what would make him say 'yes' - Fox News - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Rand Paul: Ive never liked the idea of Trump Army parade - The Hill - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- After Musk, Stephen Miller now gets into a fight with Rand Paul the real reason behind the clash - The Economic Times - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Rand Paul says he'd be willing to negotiate on megabill support - Yahoo News - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- GOP Sen. Rand Paul Says He Won't Be 'The Deciding Vote' On Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill': 'They'll Negotiate With Me' - Latin Times - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- GOP Sen. Rand Paul Shifts Tone On Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill,' Says He's 'Not An Absolute No' - Latin Times - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Rand Paul on Reconciliation Bill: GOP will own the debt - WAAY 31 News - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul: I can't support a bill with the largest debt increase in US history - USA Today - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- Rand Paul will oppose Trump budget bill, but he helped nearly double US debt | Letter - The Courier-Journal - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- Rand Paul Is Right About the Debt - The Daily Signal - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- Elon Musk and Rand Paul appear to join forces against Trump and the big, beautiful bill - AOL.com - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- Rand Paul Offers Trump an Offramp As War Against His Opposite of Conservative Budget Bill Es ... - Mediaite - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- Rand Paul: I can't support a bill with the largest debt increase in US history | Opinion - The Courier-Journal - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- Elon Musk and Rand Paul appear to join forces against Trump and the big, beautiful bill - The Independent - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- Elon Musk and Rand Paul are right. The Big Beautiful Bill is just a bloated mess. - Orange County Register - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- Trump Seethes Over Rand Paul Continuing To Oppose 'Big, Beautiful Bill' - Yahoo - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul visiting Somerset & London today to get update on tornado recovery efforts - WKYT - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- Trump blasts Rand Paul over big, beautiful bill - Washington Examiner - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- Trumps criticism of Rand Paul is wrong and misguided - Washington Examiner - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- Trump lashes out at Sen. Rand Paul over opposition to big tax bill - Forward Kentucky - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- Rand Paul will oppose Trump budget bill, but he helped nearly double US debt | Letter - Yahoo - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- Trump slams GOP Sen. Rand Paul for opposing 'big, beautiful bill' due to $5 trillion debt ceiling hike - CNBC - June 4th, 2025 [June 4th, 2025]
- Trump criticizes Rand Paul over tax bill opposition: 'Votes no on everything' - Fox News - June 4th, 2025 [June 4th, 2025]
- Trump lashes out at Sen. Rand Paul over opposition to big tax bill - USA Today - June 4th, 2025 [June 4th, 2025]
- President Donald Trump attacks Sen. Rand Paul over opposition to tax bill - Spectrum News - June 4th, 2025 [June 4th, 2025]
- Senator Rand Paul: 'FEMA has a role' - LEX18 - June 4th, 2025 [June 4th, 2025]
- Trump slams Sen. Rand Paul's opposition to his "Big Beautiful Bill": 'Actually crazy' - FOX 32 Chicago - June 4th, 2025 [June 4th, 2025]
- Rand Paul says he would support 'big, beautiful bill' if debt ceiling hike removed - Fox News - June 4th, 2025 [June 4th, 2025]
- Trump warns Rand Paul he's playing into 'hands of the Democrats' with 'Big, Beautiful Bill' opposition - Fox News - June 4th, 2025 [June 4th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul: This part of Trumps bill gives me heartburn - CNN - June 4th, 2025 [June 4th, 2025]
- It's Rand Paul and Elon Musk vs. Donald Trump Over the 'Big Beautiful Bill' - Reason Magazine - June 4th, 2025 [June 4th, 2025]
- Rand Paul Thinks There Are Enough GOP Senators to Block Trump Budget Bill - Newsweek - June 4th, 2025 [June 4th, 2025]
- Trump Seethes Over Rand Paul Continuing To Oppose 'Big, Beautiful Bill' - HuffPost - June 4th, 2025 [June 4th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul warns Trump tax bill will lead to more deficits: 'Irresponsible' - Fox Business - June 4th, 2025 [June 4th, 2025]
- Trump Goes Scorched-Earth on Rand Paul in Budget Fight - The New York Sun - June 4th, 2025 [June 4th, 2025]