The Fourth District Court of Appeal ruled Wednesday that state caps on noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases are unconstitutional, reversing a Broward Circuit Court decision.

The court based its ruling on a 2014 decision from the Florida Supreme Court striking down similar caps in wrongful death cases as a violation of the equal protection clause of the Florida Constitution.

“It balances the playing field now for people who have serious injuries,” said Ervin Gonzalez, a personal injury attorney with Colson Hicks Eidson in Coral Gables who was not involved in the case. “Before, it would be difficult to find a lawyer. These cases are very expensive to bring cost-wise. [Lawyers would say,] 'Sorry you have this injury, but there's nothing we can we do.' ”