[JURIST] A report released Monday by the American Bar Association Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section (TIPS) says that lawyers' contingent fees in medical malpractice cases are essential in preserving access to justice, and that proposed limitations being considered in Florida and elsewhere risk compromising the availability of the courts to individuals. Among its findings, the report concludes that without the prospect of reasonable fees, attorneys would be unwilling to assume the cost of complex medical malpractice litigation, leaving many individuals with no opportunity for redress in cases of medical malpractice. See the full report [PDF], or read the accompanying ABA press release. Other resources available include the organizational statement of the TIPS task force on contingent fees, and the TIPS committee homepage.