Connecticut Senate Bill SB00489

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/13
• Refer: 1/23/13

Caption

An Act Concerning Evidence Of Health Insurance Payments.

Impact

The introduction of health insurance payment evidence could significantly alter the landscape of personal injury and wrongful death litigation in the state. By allowing this type of evidence, the bill could lead to more accurate assessments of economic damages, as juries would have a clearer picture of the financial implications of medical costs covered by insurance. The potential for both parties to leverage this evidence could result in more informed jury verdicts, but it could also complicate the trial process as attorneys navigate the introduction and interpretation of such financial information.

Summary

SB00489 proposes an amendment to section 52-225a of the general statutes to allow parties in a personal injury or wrongful death case to introduce evidence of health insurance payments at trial. This legislation aims to enable both plaintiffs and defendants to use such evidence to establish or contest the amount of past and future medical costs that a jury may award. The intent behind this bill is to ensure that the financial context of claims is accurately represented during proceedings, thereby potentially influencing juror decisions regarding damages.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB00489 may arise from concerns about fairness and transparency in the courtroom. Proponents argue that this legislative change enhances the judicial process by improving the accuracy of damages awarded. However, opponents might argue that introducing health insurance payments could dissuade plaintiffs from seeking adequate compensation due to the complexity that these financial details could introduce. The discourse around this bill will likely include debates on whether the benefits of enhanced clarity in financial matters outweigh the potential complications introduced into the trial process.