MESSA & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
ATTORNEYS AT LAW

Philadelphia, PA (March 15, 2010) – Founding attorney, Joseph L. Messa, Jr. of Messa & Associates, P.C., recently took part in a symposium at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) annual conference in New Orleans, La.

The program titled, “Beyond Medical Liability Reform: Keeping Our House in Order,” brought to the attention how the prospect of National tort reform has faded since 2006, and most changes and reforms have progressed on a state-by-state basis. However, there have been important changes in the scrutiny being applied to expert witness testimony on both sides, and controversy continues between physicians who act as experts for Plaintiffs and those who defend physicians.

Messa was one of five lecturers, two attorneys (one Plaintiff and one Defense) and three medical doctors (two orthopedic surgeons and one neurosurgeon), who discussed fair and just ways to protect the rights of the harmed patient and improve the safety of medical care all within the economy of sustainable medicine.

Messa discussed the importance of the Physician’s moral and ethical duty to injured patients when an expert witness is needed in court. He believes that, “there is a peer pressure/stigma of testifying for injured patients against other Doctors that make it difficult for legitimately injured patients to make their claims.”

He adds, “As a citizen and as a professional with special training and experience, the physician has an ethical obligation to assist in the administration of justice […] the public should know they will be protected in the event of injury from substandard care."

For more information regarding the symposium, please contact Jessica Neff at 1-877 MESSALAW or Jneff@messalaw.com.

About Messa & Associates, P.C.
Messa & Associates P.C., specializes in representing individuals and their families in complex personal injury matters, including catastrophic injury, medical malpractice, product liability, motor vehicle accidents, fires and explosions. Our attorneys serve Pennsylvania clients throughout the state, including in Philadelphia and other surrounding communities in Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Bucks County. Messa & Associates are also proud to serve New Jersey clients throughout the state as well as litigate selected cases throughout the country.