Connecticut Senate Bill SB00110

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/17
• Refer: 1/13/17

Caption

An Act Establishing A Cause Of Action For Recovery For Negligent Infliction Of Emotional Distress Based On Damage To, Or Loss Of, Personal Property.

Impact

The proposed legislation could have significant implications for state laws concerning negligence and emotional distress claims. By allowing for recovery specifically linked to personal property, the bill could encourage more individuals to pursue legal action when they believe their emotional well-being has been compromised. This might lead to an increase in cases involving emotional distress claims in Connecticut courts, as it opens the door for litigants who felt previously marginalized or without a valid claim based on current legal interpretations of emotional harm.

Summary

SB00110 aims to establish a legal cause of action for individuals seeking recovery for negligent infliction of emotional distress that results from damage to or loss of personal property. Introduced by Senator Looney, the bill seeks to amend chapter 925 of the general statutes to provide a formal pathway for victims who experience emotional distress due to the mismanagement or destruction of their personal possessions. This move could potentially change how emotional damages are assessed in legal proceedings, particularly regarding personal property disputes.

Contention

While proponents of SB00110 argue it is a necessary step to protect individuals’ emotional well-being associated with personal property, critics may raise concerns about the potential for frivolous lawsuits. There could be debate over the standards required to prove emotional distress and whether this bill might encourage excessive litigation that could burden the judicial system. Legislators and legal experts may need to clarify the criteria for such claims to strike a balance between providing legal recourse and preventing abuse of the legal system.