Bill > HB950

This bill amends Section 11-1-60 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to limit the amount of noneconomic damages that can be awarded in civil actions involving catastrophic injuries, illnesses, or deaths. The key provisions are: 1. The bill defines "catastrophic injury or illness" to include conditions such as severe spinal cord injuries, amputations, traumatic brain injuries, severe burns, and other severe, debilitating injuries that would qualify an individual for federal disability or supplemental security income benefits. 2. For civil actions pending as of January 1, 2024, or filed on or after that date, involving catastrophic injuries, illnesses, or deaths, the bill caps the plaintiff's noneconomic damages award at $3 million, even if the trier of fact finds the defendant liable. This is in addition to the existing $500,000 cap on noneconomic damages for medical malpractice cases and the $1 million cap for other civil actions. 3. The bill prohibits the trier of fact from being advised of the noneconomic damages limitations, and the judge is required to appropriately reduce any award that exceeds the applicable cap.