Connecticut House Bill HB06492

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/11
• Refer: 3/1/11

Caption

An Act Concerning The Admissibility Of Medical Bills In Civil Actions.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will directly influence how economic damages are calculated in negligence cases. It allows plaintiffs to seek compensation for the full amount of necessary medical care regardless of any discounts or payments made by insurers to health care providers. Supporters believe this will ensure that victims receive fair compensation that covers the actual costs incurred rather than a potentially lower figure based on negotiations between providers and insurers.

Summary

House Bill 6492 aims to amend the current laws surrounding the admissibility of medical bills in civil actions, particularly relating to negligence cases. The bill proposes that evidence showing a health care provider accepted a reduced amount for medical services cannot be used to determine economic damages in civil lawsuits. This change intends to clarify the scope of economic damages recoverable by plaintiffs who have suffered personal injuries, wrongful deaths, or property damages due to someone's negligence.

Contention

The bill has raised discussions regarding the broader implications of allowing such evidence to be excluded. Proponents argue it protects the rights of injured parties to claim full damages, while opponents might express concern that it could lead to inflated claims and result in higher insurance premiums. Additionally, questions remain about how this might impact the accountability of health care providers and insurers in keeping medical costs reasonable.