Tennessee House Bill HB2782

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24
• Refer: 2/14/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 29 and Title 37, relative to civil liability.

Impact

The passage of HB2782 would lead to a significant change in the financial thresholds applied in civil liability cases within Tennessee. By raising the maximum allowable damages, the bill intends to better align the compensation with current economic conditions. Supporters of the bill may argue that this increase helps to ensure that victims receive adequate restitution for damages suffered, particularly in personal injury and similar cases. This legislative change could also encourage more individuals to pursue legitimate claims without the fear that the damages awarded would be insufficient to cover their losses.

Summary

House Bill 2782 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 29 and Title 37, to address civil liability issues. The bill proposes to increase the cap on certain damages from ten thousand dollars ($10,000) to fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000). This adjustment is intended to provide greater financial compensation for claims associated with civil liabilities, possibly enhancing the protection of individuals seeking damages in civil court proceedings.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB2782 might stem from discussions regarding the implications of raising damage caps on the liability of businesses and insurers. Opponents of the bill may voice concerns that increased financial liability could lead to higher insurance premiums for businesses, potentially impacting their operations. Additionally, questions may arise about the overall fairness and economic impact of such changes on accessibility to justice and the behavior of claimants.

Further_points

The implementation of HB2782, if passed, would necessitate a close examination of how these amended caps affect the legal landscape regarding personal injury and other civil claims. Stakeholders, including legal professionals, businesses, and advocacy groups, may need to engage actively in discussions to address any unintended consequences that may arise from this increased financial threshold.