I’m opposed to damage caps at all, but at least these are (a) not ridiculously low, and (b) increase each year:

Drafted by an interim task force, the bill would provide better compensation for people injured by public agencies than the previous cap.

For the state and its agencies, including OHSU, it proposes a $1.5 million limit per claim and $3 million limit per occurrence, growing by $100,00 and $200,000, respectively, each year until 2014.

Source: Tort reform bill introduced - Portland Business Journal:

Contrast that with the cap that many “reformers” would prefer of $250,000, which will buy you a mediocre condo in Portland.  Not quite a fair trade for the loss of one’s legs, is it?