Connecticut House Bill HB06452

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/17
• Refer: 1/23/17

Caption

An Act Concerning Apportionment Of Damages In Personal Injury And Wrongful Death Cases.

Impact

The proposed changes could significantly affect personal injury and wrongful death litigation in the state. By allowing for apportionment of damages among current and former defendants, the bill seeks to clarify the responsibilities of defendants when a withdrawal is made by the plaintiff. This could result in more equitable outcomes in terms of financial liability, potentially leading to fewer cases being contested on the grounds of complex liability determinations.

Summary

House Bill 06452 aims to modify the existing apportionment of damages in cases of personal injury and wrongful death by allowing damages to be apportioned between a defendant and a former defendant who has received a withdrawal from the plaintiff. This change proposes an adjustment in how liability is shared among parties involved in such cases, potentially impacting the final settlements or awards in court proceedings.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding how this bill could alter current practices in personal injury cases. Critics might argue that altering the apportionment rules could disadvantage certain defendants, particularly those who have been withdrawn from a case but may still suffer financial repercussions. Advocates of the bill would need to address concerns about fairness and equity in liability among defendants to ensure it is perceived positively by the legal community.