There are more doctors in Texas and fewer lawsuits against them after changes to the legal system more than a year ago, Rep. Joe Nixon, R-Houston, said Thursday. "What we set out to achieve has been achieved," Nixon said. Lawsuit filings are down 30 percent, he said, and more than 600 doctors have begun practicing in the state since a law capping awards for pain and suffering was approved by voters in 2003.

Supporters of the changes said they were meant to reduce medical malpractice insurance rates in Texas.

Some insurers have cut their rates, including the state's largest, Texas Medical Liability Trust, which reduced premiums more than 16 percent.

Another 13 medical malpractice insurance providers have either come to Texas or plan to, which Nixon said will increase competition and drive down prices for doctors.

Consumer groups and trial lawyers say the numbers Nixon touts hide the law's effects on real people.

Doctors and hospitals are saving money at the expense of victims of wrongdoing who are not able to hold them accountable and recover damages in court, said Alex Winslow, executive director of Texas Watch, a consumer group that opposed the damage caps