Tennessee Lawsuit Damages Bill Advances in Senate

April 28, 2011

Gov. Bill Haslam’s proposal to limit lawsuit damages is advancing in the Tennessee Legislature.

The measure was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee 6-3 on Tuesday and will now be scheduled for a vote on the Senate floor. The companion bill is awaiting a House floor vote.

The Republican governor originally sought to place a $750,000 limit on non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. But the measure that advanced would raise the cap to $1 million in cases involving serious spinal cord injuries, severe burns or the death of a parent of minor children.

Haslam has said he wants to create a comfortable environment for businesses.

Opponents of the measure say damages help hold companies accountable and that a jury should set the amount.

Topics Lawsuits Tennessee Politics

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