Oklahoma Bill Would Cap Suit Damages at $250,000

The Oklahoma State Senate passed a bill Wednesday that would cap lawsuit damages for pain and suffering at $250,000, the Tulsa World reported Thursday. State Sen. Anthony Sykes, R-Moore, and Rep. Dan Sullivan, R-Tulsa, sponsored the legislation, which now heads to the House. Supporters said the bill would allow a discussion to begin on limiting damages in lawsuits.

The proposed cap “will preserve the right to a fair trial by strengthening the ability of jurors to evaluate each case while also reducing the likelihood of a frivolous lawsuit,” Sykes told the newspaper.

The cap would not apply in wrongful death lawsuits nor would it alter the amount plaintiffs can receive for lost income or payment of medical bills, he said. The limits also could be lifted in cases of gross negligence or malicious conduct.