Brad Henry (D)
OKLAHOMA CITY (Legal Newsline)-A comprehensive tort reform bill is on its way to Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry, after handily passing both houses of the state Legislature.
House Bill 1603 capped months of negotiations between lawmakers, business groups, doctors, mineral owners and the state's trial lawyers. Their agreement was announced Monday.
The legislation would, among other things, limit pain and suffering -- or noneconomic -- damages to $400,000 except in exceptional circumstances.
The bill also redefines what constitutes a frivolous lawsuit and changes joint and several liability rules so that an injured party may recover all damages from any defendant regardless of their share of blame.
The Democratic governor is expected to sign the bill, local media report.
From Legal Newsline: Reach staff reporter Chris Rizo at chrisrizo@legalnewsline.com.