Connecticut House Bill HB06898

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/17
• Refer: 1/25/17

Caption

An Act Limiting Loss Of Consortium Claims To Persons Who Are Married.

Impact

The introduction of HB 06898 holds significant implications for the legal landscape, particularly concerning personal injury law in the state. By limiting loss of consortium claims to married individuals, the legislation could lead to a reduction in claims filed by unmarried partners or those in domestic partnerships, which may change how courts interpret rights related to emotional and companionship damages. Additionally, this change could affect family law dynamics, influencing how spousal relationships are viewed in the context of legal injuries and claims for damages.

Summary

House Bill 06898 seeks to amend the existing legal framework surrounding loss of consortium claims by limiting such claims exclusively to individuals who are married at the time an injury occurs. This bill is intended to clarify the eligibility criteria for spousal claims in cases of personal injury, specifically targeting the legal complications and ambiguities that arise when defining who qualifies for these claims. The bill proposes that only married individuals will have the standing to sue for loss of consortium resulting from their spouse's injuries, which may impact various personal injury lawsuits across the state.

Contention

While proponents of HB 06898 argue that defining loss of consortium claims strictly to married individuals simplifies adjudication and provides clear standards for courts, detractors express concern that this limitation could dismiss the emotional and financial hardships faced by unmarried partners. Critics may argue that relationships outside of marriage can also include significant emotional bonds that merit legal recognition. The debate over this bill touches on broader social issues regarding partnership recognition and rights, raising questions about how contemporary relationships are protected under the law.