via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113582124517 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113580924957 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113579545312 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113578180182 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113577340817 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113575663772 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113574011687 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113572084552 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113568631592 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113564870427 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113562585407 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113559127967 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113556965622 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113553585782 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113550161932 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113546730317 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113543017327 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113539430047 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113535870687 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113533450432 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113531443502 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113528144802 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113525005597 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113519756397 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113513905262 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113509816392 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113505568197 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113503463422 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113500933202 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113498639672 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113497275142 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113495061132 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113492328922 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113490281522 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113487893932 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113483611747 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113480715407 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113477046667 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113473288062 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113469732562 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113466313682 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113462661497 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113460460572 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113457949032 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113454227467 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113450256612 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113447807667 via Tumblr hobbsr04.tumblr.com/post/113445492217 In a move angering tort reform proponents, a Tennessee judge has ruled that the state’s cap on non-economic injury damages is unconstitutional. Donald and Beverly Clark sued Aimee Cain and AT&T for damages after a car crash in March 2012. The couple sought $22.5 million for pain and suffering damages. Before the jury decided on an award, AT&T moved for partial summary judgment because they wanted to cap any damage award at the legal limit of $750,000. But Hamilton County Circuit Court Judge W. Neil Thomas ruled that the cap on non-economic damages is unconstitutional because it violated the fundamental right to a jury trial. What is are non-economic damages, and what led up to the judge’s ruling? Non-Economic v. Economic Damages In personal injury cases, there are often two categories of damages: economic and non-economic. Economic damages refer to the actual cost of the injury to the victim. Medical costs, repair costs, and lost wages are some examples of economic damages. These are usually easily quantifiable. By comparison, non-economic damages are harder to quantify. “Non-economic damages” refers to things like emotional distress, pain and suffering, and the loss of enjoyment of life. Many states cap the amount of damages to lessen the cost of doing business to service providers. Damages Cap Unconstitutional? In 2011, Tennessee legislators passed a bill that capped non-economic damages in tort claims to $750,000. Proponents of the bill claimed that without the cap, juries would award excessive damages, harming businesses and economic development in Tennessee. They worried that businesses would not set up shop in Tennessee for fear of unlimited liability. Judge Thomas was not convinced by the legislature’s justification. In his decision, Thomas ruled that the right to have a jury determine the amount of damage awards was a part of the fundamental right to a jury trial. By capping non-economic damages, the law violated a fundamental right. It would only be constitutional if the state could show a compelling state interest for the cap to surmount the right to a jury trial. Judge Thomas decided that there was no compelling interest. He found no actual support for the state’s assertions that businesses are deterred by the amount of jury awards. Thomas was also unimpressed by the legislature’s random choice of $750,000 as the cap amount. Still, it seems likely that the defendants in this case will appeal Judge Thomas’ ruling. The question of constitutionality and damage caps is unresolved among the states. Many states have laws capping non-economic damages: For example, New Hampshire has a limit of $250,000, while Alabama caps damages at $400,000. Other states, such as Missouri, have also ruled damages caps unconstitutional. If you have been injured in a car accident, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you figure out what types of damages to pursue and the best way to handle your case. Related Resources: Injured in a car accident? Get your claim reviewed by an attorney for free. (Consumer Injury) Judge rules that Tennessee’s cap on damages for pain and suffering is unconstitutional (The Republic) Fla.’s Damages Cap for Medical-Malpractice Death Cases Struck Down (FindLaw’s Injured) How Can a Damages Cap Affect Your Injury Case? 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