Connecticut House Bill HB06180

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/15
• Refer: 1/22/15

Caption

An Act Concerning Evidence Of Health Insurance Payments In Personal Injury And Wrongful Death Actions.

Impact

The addition of health insurance payment evidence is intended to create a more transparent legal process in personal injury and wrongful death cases. By including this evidence, the bill aims to prevent inflated damage claims and to ensure that compensations accurately reflect the out-of-pocket expenses incurred by plaintiffs. This change could help reduce unnecessary disputes over the extent of damages and potentially streamline the resolution of cases related to personal injuries and wrongful deaths.

Summary

House Bill 6180, introduced by Representative Srinivasan, focuses on modifying existing laws concerning evidence admissibility in personal injury and wrongful death cases. The bill seeks to amend section 52-225a of the general statutes, thereby allowing parties involved in these legal actions to present evidence of health insurance payments at trial. This proposed change aims to clarify the actual damages sustained by the plaintiff, ensuring that juries have a complete picture of the financial impact of injuries or wrongful deaths on the victims and their families.

Contention

While the bill presents clear benefits in terms of transparency, it may also lead to contention during discussions regarding the potential impacts on plaintiffs' rights. Critics might argue that allowing insurance payment evidence could negatively influence juries' perceptions, leading them to undervalue the consequences of injuries sustained by plaintiffs. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the privacy and sensitivity of health information being disclosed in a public trial. Balancing the need for accurate damage assessment with the rights of plaintiffs will be at the forefront of discussions surrounding this legislation.