The bill amends various sections of the Revised Code to increase the caps on noneconomic and punitive damages in civil actions. It raises the maximum recoverable amounts for noneconomic loss from $250,000 to $415,000 and for total damages from $350,000 to $580,000 per plaintiff, with an overall cap of $830,000 for each occurrence. Additionally, it introduces a mechanism for the Department of Taxation to adjust these caps annually based on the consumer price index, ensuring that the limits remain aligned with inflation. The bill also clarifies the conditions under which punitive damages can be awarded, particularly in product liability claims, emphasizing that manufacturers can only be held liable if there is clear evidence of misconduct.

Moreover, the bill establishes a bifurcation process for trials involving compensatory and punitive damages, ensuring that evidence related to punitive damages is only presented after compensatory damages have been determined. It sets specific caps on punitive damages, especially for small employers and individuals, and outlines a process for annual adjustments based on the consumer price index. The bill also removes the previous cap on noneconomic damages in medical, dental, optometric, or chiropractic claims, allowing for unlimited recovery in cases of severe injuries, while establishing new limits and requiring courts to specify the breakdown of damages awarded. Overall, the bill aims to provide clearer guidelines for compensatory damages and streamline the legal framework surrounding tort actions.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2305.01, 2307.80, 2315.18, 2315.21, 2323.43, 2744.05, 3345.40