New proposed legislation seeking to limit both compensatory damages and contingency fees in New Jersey medical malpractice cases has elicited strong backlash from the plaintiffs bar and silence from the defense bar.

“Given the increases in health care and insurance costs we should be looking at all avenues at reducing these costs throughout the system,” said Sen. Nicholas J. Sacco, D-Bergen/Hudson, who introduced the bill in the Senate on Dec. 1. “Included in that are efforts to reduce litigation as well.”