Proposed Laws Would Cap Compensation, Limit Justice for Injured Texans

Texas lawmakers are considering legislation that would place severe limits on justice for catastrophically injured Texans and their families. On the same day a fatal trucking accident took the lives of five Texans, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced Senate Bill 30 and House Bill 4806 as part of his second round of legislative priorities. These laws, if enacted, would make it harder for victims of semi-truck accidents to sue trucking companies and receive fair compensation.

New Limits on Compensation

SB 30 and HB 4806 would limit how much accident victims can be awarded in personal injury cases. The proposed laws would allow judges to lower compensation awards, regardless of jury rulings, to as little as $1 million in wrongful death cases, and just $250,000 in other personal injury cases. 

This arbitrarily caps payments to injury victims and their families, and encroaches upon the powers of citizen jurors to decide civil lawsuits.

In addition to capping compensation, the new laws would base medical expense recovery payments on standard insurance rates, ignoring actual costs. This could prevent victims from recovering the full amount needed to cover accident-related medical expenses.

Stricter Standards for Damages

Texas leads the nation in fatal trucking accidents, according to data from the Truck Safety Coalition. Yet the proposed bills would severely limit recovery for trucking accidents victims by restricting claims that go beyond the crash itself. This ignores the physical and emotional damages that often occur after catastrophic accidents. 

Moreover, the bill would cap how much victims can recover for past and future medical expenses. In cases involving permanent disabilities and long-term medical care, this cap could leave many victims without adequate financial support.

The legislation would also significantly reduce compensation for noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering. HB 4806 would completely eliminate certain categories of damages, such as disfigurement and loss of enjoyment of life.

Take Action Now

Injured Texans deserve a legal system that treats them fairly. To help prevent these laws from taking effect, contact your local representative today. Encourage them to oppose SB 30 and HB 4806.

Find your local representative and their contact information here: https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home.